Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone A, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, recording seizures of Codeine, Tramadol and other prohibited items worth over ₦1.18 billion within six weeks.
Addressing journalists at Ikeja, the unit’s head, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to national security, trade integrity, and economic protection.
“The unit has intensified its anti-smuggling operations through intelligence-driven strategies, which were aimed at curbing illicit goods trafficking, safeguarding revenue, and protecting consumers from hazardous and counterfeit products,” Shuaibu said.
He explained that the operations of the unit across the southwestern states, resulted in 125 interceptions between September and early October 2025, with prohibited items including; 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (approximately 431.8kg), 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (about 11,500 litres), 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 15 used vehicles, 143 bales of used clothing, 2 jumbo sacks of used shoes, and 1 sack of used clothing.
Others seized items were 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol, 210 used tyres, A 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate, intercepted for false declaration.
The Comptroller revealed that the seizures occurred across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos States, with four suspects arrested.
“These seizures reaffirms the operational capability of the unit and underscores our resolve to continuously confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine federal government policies,” he said.
He reminded the public that the 2016 federal government fiscal policy that bans the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders is still enforced. “Some selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction would face the consequences. Our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated mission.”
In addition to the seizures, the FOU Zone ‘A’ recovered ₦39,269,688.71 through the issuance of Demand Notices and enforcement actions against under-valuations between 1, September and 7, October 2025.
Demonstrating inter-agency collaboration, Comptroller Shuaibu handed over the seized Cannabis Sativa, pharmaceuticals and suspects to representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, respectively, for further investigation and prosecution.
Receiving the items, Deputy Commander of Narcotics NDLEA, Nasir Garba, commended the NCS for its proactive effort in the fight against drug smuggling, while also appreciating Customs for its vigilance and commitment to national security.
