Customs FOU ‘A’ Records ₦3.3bn Seizures, Intercepts 1,431kg Cannabis, Pangolins

Customs FOU ‘A’ Records ₦3.3bn Seizures, Intercepts 1,431kg Cannabis, Pangolins in 

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded major operational breakthroughs, including the seizure of contraband worth over ₦3.3 billion and the interception of 1,431 kilograms of cannabis, as the new Comptroller, Aliyu Gambo, unveiled an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling strategy during his maiden press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos.

The Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, Comptroller Aliyu Gambo, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, announced significant enforcement achievements recorded by the unit within weeks of his assumption of office, describing them as a product of renewed operational reforms and strategic collaboration.

Addressing journalists at the unit’s headquarters along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Comptroller Gambo said the command intercepted 144 smuggling attempts involving various prohibited and restricted items, following a comprehensive overhaul of deployment patterns and internal supervision mechanisms.

According to him, the seizures included 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 12 trailer loads), 77 bags of foreign sugar, 21 units of assorted Tokunbo vehicles, 3,362 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil, 20,700 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 915 bales of used clothing, and one 20-foot container of stone-coated aluminium roofing sheets.

He explained that the operational shift from routine checkpoints to intelligence-driven patrols within the Lagos metropolis yielded immediate results, stressing that “we could not achieve different results using old methods.”

Major Drug and Wildlife Seizures

Amid rising crime and insecurity across the country, the Comptroller disclosed that the unit intensified its offensive against drug trafficking syndicates, leading to the interception of 3,029 parcels of synthetic cannabis indica, popularly known as ‘Ghanaian Loud’, weighing 1,431kg.

He noted that the seizure significantly disrupted drug supply chains along the southwest corridor, adding that narcotics remain a key catalyst for violent crimes, banditry, and terrorism.

“In cutting off the drug supply chain, we are also reducing crime and criminality. These substances harden criminals and embolden them to commit heinous acts,” Gambo said, warning traffickers to abandon illicit trade or face the full weight of the law.

In a related development, the unit also intercepted four live pangolins along the waterways of Alapa Creek, Ajilete. The endangered animals were subsequently handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to wildlife protection and international conservation laws.

Environmental Protection and Basel Convention Compliance

The Customs boss further revealed the seizure of 581 used refrigerator compressors, describing it as a critical environmental and public safety intervention. He explained that the importation of used compressors violates the Basel Convention (1989) and Section 55(1)(d) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, due to the hazardous chemicals and greenhouse gases associated with the items.

“These compressors often contain toxic substances that damage the environment and deplete the ozone layer if improperly disposed of,” he stated.

₦3.3bn Duty Paid Value, Arrests and NDLEA Handover

Comptroller Gambo disclosed that eight suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, which have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦3,319,893,255.00.

In line with inter-agency collaboration, he announced that the seized cannabis consignments would be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA, Mohammed Kabir, who received the exhibits, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its diligence, noting that the interception of the highly potent cannabis strain would prevent significant harm to communities.

Revenue Recovery and Supply Chain Integrity

Beyond seizures, the Comptroller said the unit recovered ₦36,891,826 from demand notices issued over cases of cargo misdeclaration between December 10, 2025, and date, as part of efforts to strengthen supply chain integrity through rigorous gap analysis.

Officer Lost in Line of Duty

The briefing was, however, marked by a sombre note, as Comptroller Gambo announced the death of a promising officer of the unit who lost his life in the line of duty on the same day. He said the incident had been communicated to the Customs high command.

Commitment to Collaboration and Professionalism

In his concluding remarks, the Comptroller reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to combating smuggling, enforcing fiscal policies, facilitating legitimate trade, and collaborating with sister security agencies, stakeholders, and border communities.

He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, for the opportunity to serve, while commending officers of the unit and the media for their continued support.

“We are resolute, committed, and determined to protect our economy, environment, and citizens,” he said..