NCS Impounds Contraband Value N1.5bn 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, stated it intercepted seven 20ft containers of contraband price N1.5bn between April 23, 2025, and so far.

The Customs Space Controller answerable for the unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, introduced this on Friday whereas showcasing a few of the seized contrabands to journalists. He added that the varied contrabands had been seized inside the Lagos State metropolis.

Shuaibu pressured that inside the interval beneath evaluation, the command collected a complete sum of N20.7m by demand notices the place shortfalls are recognized, and in addition performed public sale gross sales of seized perishable items.

“We now have diligently optimised these income streams to make sure correct restoration of funds,” he stated.

Talking on the seized containers, he defined that in a major achievement within the ongoing battle towards illicit commerce, “our workforce acted on credible intelligence, efficiently intercepted and seized seven 20ft containers stuffed with numerous illicit objects inside the Lagos Metropolis.”

Giving particulars of the seizures, Shuaibu acknowledged {that a} container with the registration quantity MSKU 8551954, which was carrying used tyres and automobiles, was intercepted.

“One other container with registration quantity, SYDU 1479614, was carrying overseas parboiled rice, one other one with registration quantity, MSKU 7751689, was additionally carrying overseas parboiled rice, MSKU 798700 additionally carrying overseas parboiled rice, ZCSU 8845072  was carrying new footwear, ZCSU  7055181 was carrying new garments, and PIDU 4258491 had new luggage, all had been seized,” Shuaibu defined.

The FOU A Customs boss emphasised that the unit has bolstered their methods to safe Nigeria’s Southwestern States Borders towards financial saboteurs.

Based on him, inside the interval beneath evaluation, the unit has inflicted substantial losses on smugglers by the interception of different unlawful objects.

“Notable seizures embody 4,085 luggage of overseas parboiled rice, equal to seven trailers, 15 illegally imported foreign-used automobiles, 82 packs of tramadol, and 246kg of hashish sativa, 290 jerrycans of premium motor spirit, 12 bales and 4 sacks of used clothes,” he added.

He talked about that 4 suspects had been arrested in reference to the varied seizures, “which has a complete obligation paid worth of N1.5bn.”

Shuaibu reiterated that the service stays resolute in its efforts to fight smuggling, counterfeit merchandise, and different types of illicit commerce. He talked about that the achievements testify to the unit’s unwavering dedication to defending the economic system and the residents.

Shuaibu highlighted that the service would proceed to collaborate with sister safety companies and border communities to dismantle the networks engaged in illicit actions.

He pressured that in step with the dictates of the  NCS to foster inter-agency collaboration, “we might be handing over the seized 246kg of hashish sativa to the Nationwide Drug Legislation and Enforcement Company and the tramadol capsules can be handed over to the Nationwide Company for Meals and Drug Administration and Management for additional investigation and prosecution.”

“We encourage most people to stay vigilant and report any suspicious actions associated to smuggling or illicit commerce. I additionally urged our declarants to stay trustworthy of their declarations to keep away from pointless bottlenecks,” he stated.

He stated that the unit’s intelligence-driven operations are designed to create a extra environment friendly, clear, and inclusive buying and selling surroundings that can profit the stakeholders and the general public by barrier-free operations, “as we intend to break down all patrol factors inside the Lagos metropolis.”