CUSTOMS FOU ZONE A SEIZES N3.3B WORTH OF CONTRABAND, HANDS OVER MASSIVE DRUGS TO NDLEA
Customs FOU Zone A Seizes N3.3bn Contraband, Hands Over Massive Drugs To NDLEA
By Babatunde Aremu
Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, has again achieved a sweeping crackdown on smuggling networks, recording seizures worth over ₦3.3 billion with a sustainable heavy blow to drug trafficking syndicates operating across the South-West corridor.
At his maiden media briefing in Lagos, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu presented what observers described as an aggressive enforcement , combining intelligence-led patrols, stricter internal supervision and renewed operational discipline to disrupt illegal trade threatening Nigeria’s economy and security.
Addressing journalists at the Unit headquarters in Ikeja, the Comptroller noted that upon assuming office, his leadership immediately reviewed operational deployment patterns, replacing predictable checkpoints with intelligence-driven patrol operations aimed at outsmarting smuggling syndicates.
The renewed strategy quickly paid off, leading to the interception of 144 smuggling attempts involving a wide range of prohibited and improperly imported goods. Among the seized items were 6,954 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice, 77 bags of foreign sugar, 915 bales of used clothing, over 3,300 jerrycans of vegetable oil, 20,700 litres of smuggled petrol, 21 used vehicles, and a 20-foot container loaded with roofing sheets.
However, the most striking breakthrough came from the Unit’s intensified operations against narcotics trafficking networks, resulting in the interception of thousands of parcels of a potent synthetic cannabis strain popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” weighing approximately 1.4 tonnes. Customs authorities say the seizure significantly disrupted illicit drug supply chains fueling criminal activities and social vices.
Comptroller Aliyu however said that sadly the Unit lost one of its officers in active service . He described the fallen officer as a committed personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty — a reminder of the risks officers face daily in protecting national interests.
“Further operations led to the rescue of four live pangolins being trafficked through waterways around Ajilete, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to protecting endangered wildlife species. Authorities also intercepted 581 used refrigerator compressors smuggled into the country, items considered environmentally hazardous under both Nigerian law and international environmental conventions”–He said
Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, while investigations continue into broader smuggling networks behind the illegal shipments.
Demonstrating inter-agency cooperation, the Unit formally handed over 2,938 parcels of the seized cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
Receiving the consignment on behalf of the Lagos State Strategic Command, NDLEA Deputy Commander of Operations and Training, CN Muhammed Kabiru, praised Customs officers for their diligence, noting that the interception would prevent substantial harm to communities.
Kabiru assured that NDLEA would ensure proper handling, analysis and lawful disposal of the substances, stressing that collaboration among security agencies remains critical to combating drug trafficking and safeguarding society.
Beyond seizures, the Unit also intensified compliance enforcement, recovering over ₦36.8 million through Demand Notices issued for cargo misdeclaration and related infractions, further strengthening revenue protection efforts.
Comptroller Aliyu reaffirmed that the Unit would sustain pressure on smuggling syndicates while facilitating legitimate trade, urging communities and stakeholders to support enforcement efforts by providing
