The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone C Owerri, has recorded another major enforcement win with the seizure of over 3,310 jerrycans and cartons of smuggled foreign vegetable oil, valued at N403,491,000 in Duty Paid Value.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Comptroller Bishir Balogun commended the officers for what he described as a job well done through strategic intelligence coordination and swift operational action.
The Seizure:
Operatives intercepted two trucks carrying the contraband:
1. 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil
2. 10 jerrycans of 10-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil
3. 20 cartons of 5-litre sunflower vegetable oil
4. 20 cartons of 3-litre sunflower vegetable oil
The first interception occurred at about 2200hrs on 9th May along the 9th Mile, Enugu. The second followed on 7th June 2026 along the Onitsha-Agbor highway, both based on credible intelligence.
Why It Matters;
Comptroller Balogun said the seizure delivers a major blow to economic saboteurs whose illegal importation of foreign vegetable oil undermines local manufacturing, technology transfer, job creation, and Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
“This operation demonstrates the Service’s firm commitment to enforcing the NCS Act 2022 as amended and the Federal Government’s fiscal and protective measures prohibiting the importation of foreign vegetable oil,” he stated.
He applauded the diligence and professionalism of FOU Zone C officers, noting that intelligence-led enforcement remains key to protecting public health, national security, and the domestic economy.
Balogun urged those involved in smuggling and related criminal networks to desist, warning that Customs will sustain intelligence-driven operations to intercept illicit trade.
The confiscated jerrycans and cartons remain in custody while investigations continue and legal processes commence.
For FOU Zone C, the message is clear: the fight against smuggling is on, and local industries will be protected.
