The federal operations unit, Zone A, Ikeja said it intercepted contraband goods worth N1.5 billion and arrested four suspects within a three-week operation.

Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, the customs area controller, revealed this during a briefing in Lagos on Friday while handing over seizures to NDLEA and NAFDAC officials.

Mr Shuaibu, who assumed duty on April 23, confirmed the seizures with a duty paid value of N1.5 billion were made between April 23 and May 16.

He pledged to use his experience to manage the unit effectively, saying the command had stayed true to that goal.

Regarding revenue, Mr Shuaibu said the command generated N20.7 million through demand notices, auctioned perishables, and petroleum products from irregular importation.

He added that he had shifted the unit’s approach to intelligence-driven operations, reducing delays caused by traditional stop-and-search methods.

The unit intercepted seven 20-foot containers of illicit items in Lagos, following preliminary investigations that revealed the following:

Container MSKU 8551954 held used tyres and vehicles. SYDU 1479614, MSKU 7751689, and MSKU 798700 contained foreign parboiled rice.

Container ZCSU 8845072 contained new shoes, ZCSU 7055181 had new clothes, and IDU 4258491 was loaded with new bags.

Other seizures included 4,085 bags of 50kg foreign rice — equivalent to seven trailer loads — and 15 foreign-used vehicles.

Also seized were 82 packs of tramadol with 10 sachets each, and 246 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa.

Additionally, 290 jerry cans of petrol and 12 bales with four sacks of used clothing were seized, all totalling N1.5 billion in value.

Mr Shuaibu said the Nigeria customs remain steadfast in combating smuggling, counterfeits, and other illicit trade.

He stressed that these achievements reflect a commitment to safeguarding the economy and citizens, through continued agency collaboration.

He thanked God and the comptroller general Bashir Adeniyi for the opportunity to lead the command.

Mr Shuaibu urged the public to report suspicious smuggling activities and advised honest declarations to avoid clearance issues.

He added that efficient trade facilitation is crucial for economic growth, job creation, and regional integration in today’s global economy.

He pledged that intelligence-led operations would create a more transparent, inclusive, and seamless trading environment in Lagos.

He also thanked officers for carrying out operations without injury and appreciated the media’s role in public sensitisation.

NDLEA’s Festac area commander, Abdul Maiyaki, praised customs for handing over the seized cannabis and a suspect.

He thanked sister agencies for their ongoing support in helping NDLEA fulfil its mandate.

NAFDAC task force chairman, Shuiba Muhammad, also praised customs for securing the nation against harmful substances.

He noted Customs handed over seven trucks of illicit drugs to NAFDAC three months ago, with more intercepted now.

Mr Muhammad said the seizures were due to effective inter-agency cooperation, which helps reduce insecurity linked to drug abuse.

He added that stopping such drugs from circulation helps lower the country’s insecurity levels. 

(NAN)