Customs FOU Zone A Intercepts Drugs, Vehicles, Rice in Major Anti-Smuggling Crackdown

Customs FOU Zone A Intercepts Drugs, Vehicles, Rice in Major Anti-Smuggling Crackdown

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a significant breakthrough in its sustained offensive against economic sabotage, intercepting large consignments of illicit drugs, smuggled vehicles, foreign rice, and other contraband items across Southwest Nigeria within an eight-week period.

The Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Aliyu Iyere Gambo disclosed this while addressing journalists and stakeholders, outlining intensified enforcement strategies aimed at securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting the national economy, and dismantling smuggling syndicates.

According to him, the unit thwarted no fewer than 473 smuggling attempts during the review period. Seized items include 8,794 bags of foreign rice, 22 used vehicles, and 1,863 used refrigerator compressors. Other confiscated goods comprise 1,188 jerrycans of vegetable oil (25 litres each), 31,705 litres of used tyres, 485 cartons of spaghetti, 69 cartons of foreign sugar, and 531 cartons of foreign poultry products, as well as four cylinders containing suspected liquid chemicals.

Iyere noted that the successes were further reinforced by the launch of “Operation Hawk,” a targeted enforcement initiative designed to curb illicit trade, safeguard public health, and boost government revenue. Under the operation, officers intercepted 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing 1,540 kilograms, significantly disrupting drug trafficking networks.

In a related operation, the unit seized a green Toyota Highlander found to be conveying six parcels of cocaine and four parcels of crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion. Several suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, underscoring enhanced inter-agency collaboration.

He added that a 73-year-old suspect was among those arrested in connection with the drug seizures, noting that investigations are ongoing.

The seized drugs were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.

Responding, the Commander of Narcotics, Kabiru I.K., commended the Customs operatives for their synergy and professionalism, stressing that the seizures send a strong signal that Lagos and its environs will not serve as safe havens for illicit drug activities. He assured that those behind the illegal trade would be unmasked and prosecuted.

On revenue performance, the Controller revealed that the unit recorded a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦5.5 billion within the period, alongside the recovery of ₦97.7 million from underpaid duties, reflecting its commitment to blocking revenue leakages and supporting federal fiscal policies.

He further highlighted ongoing modernization efforts, including the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies such as geospatial intelligence, satellite imagery, and drone systems to enhance operational efficiency. Plans are also underway to operationalize a state-of-the-art command and control centre for real-time monitoring and intelligence-driven enforcement.

As part of its restructuring efforts, the unit is set to relocate to a newly commissioned ultra-modern command headquarters in Ogun State, a move expected to improve operational coordination, strengthen monitoring of smuggling routes, and boost personnel morale.

Iyere expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and support, while commending officers of the unit for their dedication. He also acknowledged the role of the media and stakeholders in supporting the fight against economic sabotage.

He reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to sustaining its enforcement drive to secure Nigeria’s borders, facilitate legitimate trade, and safeguard the nation’s economy.