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Maritime Security Operations Yield N3.14bn Contraband Seizures as Customs Intensifies Port Surveillance
Lagos
The Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ has recorded a major enforcement victory with the interception of contraband goods valued at N3.14 billion across strategic maritime corridors and border points in the Southwest region within a three-week operation period.
The anti-smuggling operation, conducted between July 18 and August 12, 2025, resulted in 76 separate interceptions and the arrest of 13 suspected smugglers, according to Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, Controller of FOU Zone ‘A’.
The seizures highlight ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s maritime security framework, with significant quantities of smuggled goods attempting to bypass proper customs procedures at various entry points. The operation targeted strategic locations including maritime-adjacent areas in Lagos metropolis and border corridors in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Ekiti states.
Key seizures included:
– 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) – equivalent to seven trailer loads
– 22 used vehicles, including specialized Ashok Leyland drilling trucks
– 485 jerrycans containing 12,125 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
– 57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa
– 47 cartons of foreign poultry products
– 770 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil (25 litres each)
– 120 bales of used clothing
In a significant development affecting port operations, FOU operatives intercepted eight containers with misdeclared contents, demonstrating sophisticated attempts to evade customs duties. The containers included:
– Four 40-foot containers containing undeclared used shoes, canvas, auto spare parts, used tyres, vehicles, and furniture
– Four 20-foot containers with misdeclared furniture and Pali Bitters drinks
Beyond enforcement activities, the unit recovered N47.8 million through corrected undervaluations and issued Demand Notices for non-compliant declarations during the operation period. This dual approach of enforcement and revenue recovery reinforces the critical role of customs operations in protecting Nigeria’s maritime trade environment.
Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that “these seizures underscore the operational capabilities and strategic effectiveness of our operatives” while noting the unit’s commitment to balancing security enforcement with legitimate trade facilitation.
The seized Cannabis Sativa will be transferred to appropriate law enforcement agencies for further investigation, demonstrating continued inter-agency cooperation in maritime security operations. While some suspects have been granted administrative bail, others remain under investigation by relevant security agencies.
The operations reflect the increasing sophistication of smuggling networks attempting to exploit Nigeria’s extensive maritime borders and port facilities, necessitating enhanced surveillance and intelligence-driven enforcement strategies across the nation’s waterways and coastal regions.
*This story was compiled from official NCS sources and verified reports for waterwaysnews.ng*