FOU Zone ‘A’ Sustains Crackdown Against Smugglers

FOU Zone ‘A’ Sustains Crackdown Against Smugglers.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its anti smuggling operations through intelligence driven stategies, which is aimed at curbing illicit trade trafficking, safeguarding revenue, and protecting consumers from hazardous and counterfeit products.

According to the Area Controller, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, the Unit leveraged advanced surveillance and intelligence sharing frameworks across the southwestern states, which resulted in 125 successful interceptions within a six weeks period. A breakdown of the seizures of are; 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice equivalent to 8 trailer loads, 15 used Tokunbo vehicles, 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing approximately 431. 8kg, 460 Jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), about 11,500 litres. Others include;143 bales of second hand clothing and 2 jumbo sack of used shoes, 1 sack of used clothing, 390 bottles of codeine, 310 foreign branded drugs and 19 cards of Tramadol, 210 pieces of used tyres, One 20ft container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate seized for false positive declarations.

Comptroller Shuaibu said that the seizures occured in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Lagos States. Four defendants were arrested in connection with the operations and would be handed over to the revelant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

Shuaibu said that a Duty Paid Value of #1,188,830,600.00 was recorded during the period, noting that it reflected the scale of their operations.

On inter agencies collaboration, he said that the seized Cannabis Sativa and Pharmaceuticals would be handed over to the appropriate agencies, NDLEA and NAFDAC respectively. However, Shuaibu used the opportunity to remind the general public that “the 2016 federal government fiscal policy that bans the importation of foreign parboiled rice through the land borders is still enforced”. He warned that “some selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction” would be made to face the consequences saying firmly ” our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill fated mission”.

Shuaibu emphasised that the seizures reaffirmed the operational masterstroke of the Unit and “underscore our resolve to continuously confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine federal government policies”.

He disclosed that from 1st September to 7th October 2025, the unit recovered #39,269,688.71 through the issuance of demand notices and enforcement against under valuations. While maintaining strong enforcement, Shuaibu assured that the unit also remained committed to facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring lawful but business operate without unnecessary hinderances.”