By Our Reporter
The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted military-grade equipment and other smuggled goods valued at over ₦1.5 billion within a two-week operation.
The seized items include ballistic helmets, bulletproof vests, used tyres, vehicles, Tramadol, and 1,665kg of cannabis sativa. A total of seven suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
Comptroller of the Unit, Mr. Mohammed Shuaibu, credited the success to intelligence-sharing with sister security agencies. He said the seizures were made during targeted operations across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States between May 19 and May 26, 2025.
Key interceptions include:
Two 40ft containers seized in Lagos, found to contain cut-up vehicles (Mitsubishi Canters, Toyota Hiace buses, and Mini Shuttles) intended to evade customs duties.
Used goods such as bicycles, clothing, gas cylinders, televisions, cookers, and air conditioners were also recovered.
A Volvo truck intercepted with 1,263 used tyres and unregistered goods.
A truck in Shagamu/Ijebu-Ode loaded with bulletproof vests and Tramadol.
A Mercedes Benz truck in Ijebu-Ode concealed cannabis sativa in its compartments.
In border areas such as Imeko, Ilaro, Idiroko, Badagry, Agbara, and Iseyin, intensified surveillance led to additional seizures of: 2,051 bags of foreign rice
11 used vehicles
4,000 litres of PMS
A J5 bus carrying expired goods
A Volvo truck loaded with 180 sacks of new towels
The total duty paid value (DPV) of the seizures amounts to ₦1,285,600,383, and the unit recovered ₦48.3 million through demand notices issued for improper declarations.
Shuaibu emphasized the Customs Service’s commitment to disrupting smuggling networks and safeguarding national security, stating:
“We are determined to sustain a formidable defense against economic saboteurs. These operations not only protect our economy but also support legitimate trade and revenue growth.”
The seized cannabis and drugs will be handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution.