The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its clampdown on smuggling activities across the South-West, intercepting contraband valued at more than N3.14 billion.
According to the agency shared post on Saturday, the Controller of the unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed this during a media briefing held recently in Ikeja, Lagos State.
He said the successes were achieved through intelligence-driven operations that targeted high-risk smuggling routes.
According to him, officers made 76 separate interceptions, which included 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 22 used vehicles, 485 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, 57 parcels of cannabis sativa, and 120 bales of second-hand clothing.
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The Customs chief further revealed that eight containers loaded with assorted goods were seized over infractions such as misdeclaration and duty evasion.
Items in the containers ranged from used tyres, furniture, and auto parts to alcoholic beverages and vehicles.
Meanwhile, a total of thirteen suspects linked to the seizures were apprehended.
While some have been released on administrative bail, others remain in custody pending further investigations and possible prosecution by competent authorities.
Shuaibu lauded the commitment of his personnel, stressing that the unit would sustain the pressure on economic saboteurs undermining government revenue and national security.
However, the seized cannabis sativa was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Bungudu Nasiru, who received the seized cannabis, applauded the cooperation between the two agencies, noting that the action would strengthen the campaign against illicit drugs and enhance public safety.
