Customs Seize ₦1.7 Billion Worth of Smuggled Goods in South-West Crackdown
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of contraband goods worth over ₦1.7 billion, underscoring its renewed commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and protecting Nigeria’s economy.
The declaration was made during a press briefing held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented by Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind.
ACG Ejibunu commended the recent string of operational victories secured by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ and Operation Whirlwind, noting that their heightened vigilance is delivering critical results in the war against smuggling.
“The sustained operational tempo and intelligence-led enforcement have resulted in the seizure of goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1,784,432,000,” Ejibunu revealed.
Between June 3 and July 18, 2025, the FOU Zone ‘A’ conducted 102 enforcement operations across the South-West region, leading to significant seizures and disruption of illicit trade routes.
Major Items Intercepted include:
- 3,500 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) – equivalent to six trailer loads
- 304kg of Cannabis Sativa
- 7,900 litres of PMS (petrol) concealed in jerrycans
- 95 cartons of frozen poultry
- 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing
- 41 bags of used footwear
- 14 used vehicles, 148 used tyres, and 42 used gas cylinders
- 31 used air-conditioners
In a more sophisticated twist, officers also intercepted several misdeclared containers, including:
- A 40-foot container of used tyres
- A 20-foot container loaded with unregistered pharmaceuticals
- Other trucks smuggling prohibited items such as used refrigerators, second-hand clothes, and imported supermarket goods
“These consignments were deliberately misdeclared in a bid to circumvent due process,” ACG Ejibunu said.
The crackdown led to the arrest of nine suspects—some of whom have been granted administrative bail, while others remain under investigation. Additionally, the unit recovered ₦95,587,231.47 in underpaid import duties via Demand Notices (DNs) issued for improperly declared cargo.
CGC Adeniyi, through his representative, praised the dedication of customs operatives:
“They are patriots who daily risk their lives to uphold the economic and territorial integrity of the nation.”
He also stressed the need for continued collaboration with traditional rulers, security agencies, and the public:
“Our familiarisation visits are part of our broader strategy to enhance synergy and community trust.”
The latest operations reflect the NCS’s resolve to stamp out illicit trade and restore order to Nigeria’s border corridors—one seizure at a time. Read More
