Customs FOU Makes 128 Interceptions, Seizes Eight Trailer-Loads of Rice in Six Weeks

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made 128 successful interceptions, including eight trailer-loads of foreign parboiled rice, between 1 September and 7 October 2025.

Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu disclosed this at a media briefing on the unit’s recent activities and achievements, held in Lagos.

He said the unit leveraged advanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing frameworks across the South-Western states, resulting in 125 successful interceptions within a six-week period.

Shuaibu listed the seized items as follows: 5,015 bags of 50 kg foreign rice (equivalent to eight trailer-loads); 15 used (“tokunbo”) vehicles; 640 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing approximately 431.8 kg; 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (about 11,500 litres); 143 bales of used clothing; two jumbo sacks of used shoes; one sack of used clothing; 390 bottles of codeine; 310 foreign-branded drugs; 19 cards of tramadol; 210 pieces of used tyres; and one 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of calcium lactate, intercepted for false declaration.

He said the unit remained “firm and focused on safeguarding the nation’s borders, protecting the economy, and combating all forms of illicit activities.”

He explained that the unit had intensified its anti-smuggling operations through intelligence-driven strategies aimed at curbing illicit goods trafficking, safeguarding revenue, and protecting consumers from hazardous and counterfeit products.

He added that the seizures occurred in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos states, where four defendants were arrested in connection with the operations and would be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

He said that a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.2 billion was recorded during the period, noting that it reflected the scale of their operations.

He further disclosed that from 1 September to 7 October 2025, the unit recovered N39.3 million through the issuance of demand notices and enforcement against undervaluations.

His words: “The seized cannabis sativa and pharmaceuticals will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively.

“The 2016 Federal Government fiscal policy that bans the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders is still in force. Some selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction will face the consequences; our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated mission.

“These seizures reaffirm the operational capability of the unit and underscore our resolve to continuously confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine Federal Government policies.

“Through sustained intelligence-led operations and the strategic deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, the unit will continue to secure Nigeria’s borders, protect national revenue, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.”

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