FOU Zone ‘A’ Intercepts Contraband Worth #3.14 Billion in Three Weeks

FOU Zone ‘A’ Intercepts Contraband Worth #3.14 Billion in Three Weeks.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Federal Operation Unit Zone ‘A’ (FOU ‘A’) of the Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant breakthrough with the interception of 76 smuggled and contraband goods worth #3,14,680,000.00 in 3 weeks.

A breakdown of the confiscated items include, 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg) equivalent to seven trailer load, 22 used vehicles, plus 2 Ashok Leyland drilling trucks,485 jerry cans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 12,125 litres, 120 bales of used clothing, 57 parcel of Cannabis Sativa, 47 cartons of foreign poultry products, 770 Jerry cans of 25 litres each of foreign vegetable oil.

Others include, 4x40ft containers, MSKU 1629585- sacksused shoes and canvas, MSKU-0733723 contains Auto spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles, TCNU 9441240 furniture, ACLU 9673721- spare parts, used tyres and vehicles, 4x20ft- TEMU 4596866 furniture, TCLU 3866419-furniture, TCKU 3962096, furniture, TCKU- Pali bitters drinks.

According to the Customs Area Controller zone ‘A’, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, the seizures were made at strategic points across the South Western States, which include Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete and Imeko-Afon in Ogun State, Ondo/Ekiti axis, Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State and the Lagos metropolis.

A total of 13 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. However, some have been granted administrative bail while others were handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

In line with the Service commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized Cannabis Sativa has been handed NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution. Shuaibu said that the seizures underscore the operational capabilities and strategic effectiveness of the Unit operatives.

According to Comptroller Shuaibu, “FOU ‘A’ also plays an important role in ensuring compliance with Import/Export regulations. We continue to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under valuation, and issue Demand Notice (DN) where necessary. Between July 18th and August 12th 2025, the Unit recovered the sum of #47, 834,397.29 Kobo.

“While we maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the Unit remains a strong partner in trade facilitation. We will continue to support to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth by ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process.”

He however, commend the tireless efforts of his operatives while reaffirming the Unit’s steadfast commitment to securing the nation’s borders against all forms of economic sabotage.

“We will not relent in our mission to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment, he add