Lagos, Nigeria – In a decisive move to curb smuggling and protect Nigeria’s economy, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of contraband items valued at N1.5 billion. The operation led to the arrest of seven suspects and the seizure of 46 different contraband goods, including foreign parboiled rice, cannabis, used vehicles, and expired products.

This was revealed by the Acting Controller of the FOU Zone A, Deputy Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, during a press briefing in Lagos, where he stressed the unit’s commitment to combating economic sabotage and protecting citizens from harmful and illegal imports.

Contraband Breakdown

Among the seized items were:

• 8,752 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 14 trailer loads), smuggled mainly through border communities in Ogun and Oyo States.

• 2,000 kg of Indian hemp (cannabis sativa) concealed in a warehouse in Lagos, with ties to suspected drug trafficking syndicates.

• 13 used vehicles (popularly referred to as “tokunbo”) brought into the country through unauthorized routes without appropriate documentation.

• Cartons of expired food products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals deemed unfit for consumption or use.

Deputy Comptroller Ejibunu noted that these goods posed both economic and health risks to the nation and its people.

“Smuggling undermines government’s fiscal policies, endangers lives, and sabotages local industries. We will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations to flush out these economic enemies,” he said.

Arrests and Legal Action

Seven suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. The Nigeria Customs Service confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with Nigeria’s Customs and Excise Management Act.

Ejibunu also called on community leaders and border residents to desist from shielding smugglers, stating that collaboration with security agencies was vital for sustainable progress in the anti-smuggling war.

Economic and National Implications

Smuggling continues to drain Nigeria’s economy by:

• Eroding customs revenue, which could otherwise be used for infrastructure and social services.

• Threatening local production, especially in agriculture, where illegal rice importation competes with locally produced alternatives.

• Endangering public health, as expired or substandard products flood local markets.

According to data from the NCS, billions of naira are lost annually to smuggling, especially across porous borders in the South West and North West regions.

Government’s Broader Strategy

This latest seizure aligns with the federal government’s broader strategy to strengthen border security, modernize customs operations, and boost domestic industries. Measures include:

• The e-Customs modernization project, which seeks to digitize customs clearance procedures.

• Deployment of drones and surveillance technologies to monitor Nigeria’s extensive land borders.

• Inter-agency collaboration with bodies like the NDLEA, Nigerian Police, and DSS to tackle organized smuggling networks.

Looking Ahead

As Nigeria grapples with inflation, economic recovery, and food insecurity, tackling smuggling is seen as a key step toward revenue generation and national safety. The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to proactive enforcement and public sensitization to reduce illegal trade.

“We urge Nigerians to support lawful trade and help build a secure, prosperous economy,” Ejibunu concluded.

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