Customs Intercepts Contraband Worth Over N1.84 Billion in Southwest Anti-Smuggling Operations

In a significant crackdown on economic sabotage, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted contraband goods and petroleum products worth over N1.84 billion, in an anti-smuggling operation spanning multiple South-Western states. The effort, carried out between June 3 and July 18, 2025, exposed key smuggling corridors and dismantled illegal networks attempting to siphon resources into neighbouring Benin Republic.

Disclosing the breakthrough at a press conference held at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A Headquarters in Ikeja, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commended the vigilance and operational coordination of the Customs personnel. The six-week enforcement operation led to nine arrests and the seizure of a wide range of prohibited goods.

Adeniyi stated that “These arrests and high-value seizures highlight the operational precision and strategic capacity of our anti-smuggling formations” he further added that “They also reflect our determination to dismantle smuggling networks and curb the activities of economic saboteurs whose actions undermine national energy security and threaten government policies.”

The Customs’ enforcement teams carried out 102 targeted operations, focusing on notorious smuggling flashpoints across Lagos, Ogun and surrounding states. Items seized include: 3,500 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to six trailer loads), 304 kg of cannabis sativa, 7,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stored in 316 jerry cans, Used clothing, footwear and household appliances, 14 used vehicles, 148 used tyres, 42 gas cylinders, 31 air conditioners and 95 cartons of frozen poultry

In a further clampdown on import-related fraud, the Customs also intercepted misdeclared containers aimed at evading import duties. These included containers of unregistered pharmaceutical products, used tyres, refrigerators, and foreign supermarket goods disguised as legal imports.

The duty paid value (DPV) of all seized goods during the operation was estimated at N1.78 billion.

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