Ikeja, Lagos | August 10, 2026
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Ikeja-Lagos, has dismantled a massive smuggling ring, intercepting 220 consignments worth ₦3.24 billion in Duty Paid Value and recovering ₦728.98 million in lost government revenue.
The Comptroller of FOU ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, disclosed this on Sunday, describing the operation as one of the Unit’s largest intelligence-led busts this year.
*Massive Seizures Across Contraband Lines*
According to the Unit, the intercepted goods had a total DPV of ₦3,237,132,640. The revenue recovery of ₦728,976,725.03 came from enforcement against under-declaration, false declarations and other customs fraud.
Major seizures include:
– *4,956 bags of foreign parboiled rice* – 50kg each, equivalent to eight trailer loads
– *12 foreign-used vehicles*
– *2,683 parcels of synthetic cannabis, Sativa* – 1,439.9kg
– *49 parcels of Ghanaian Loud* – 26.1kg
– *13 parcels of granular cannabis* – 1.35kg
– *1 parcel of crystal methamphetamine* – 0.35kg
– *240,000 tablets of Tramadol* and *12,000 tablets of Hypnox*
– *22 pieces of elephant tusks* – 130.84kg
– *964 jerrycans of PMS* – 24,100 litres
– *686 cartons of foreign poultry products*, *414 bales of used clothing*, *2,947 pieces of used tyres* and *26 cartons of foreign vegetable oil*
*Protecting Health, Economy and Wildlife*
Aliyu said the drug seizures were critical to public safety, noting that synthetic cannabis, crystal meth and tramadol pose serious risks to young Nigerians and fuel violent crimes.
The interception of elephant tusks, he added, reinforces Customs’ role in fighting illegal wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species.
On the agricultural items, the CAC said seizing foreign rice, poultry and vegetable oil will shield local farmers and manufacturers from unfair competition and strengthen national food security.
The 24,100 litres of PMS intercepted also points to ongoing attempts to illegally move petroleum products across borders.
*Revenue Recovery and Smarter Enforcement*
Aliyu attributed the success to improved intelligence gathering, risk profiling, inter-agency collaboration and tips from the public and border communities.
He stressed that enforcement is not targeted at legitimate businesses.
“Our goal is to create a level playing field for compliant traders and protect government revenue. We will sustain our zero-tolerance approach to smuggling and revenue fraud,” he said.
He urged importers, exporters and licensed agents to ensure accurate declarations, warning that the Service will continue to go after those sabotaging the economy.
*Balancing Enforcement with Trade Facilitation*
The Comptroller said FOU ‘A’ remains committed to supporting Federal Government economic objectives through protection of domestic production, promotion of compliance, and facilitation of legitimate trade under AfCFTA.
He called for stronger cooperation between Customs, the business community and sister security agencies, saying intelligence sharing is key to tackling increasingly sophisticated smuggling networks.
“Seme is no longer safe for smugglers. We are using intelligence, not indiscriminate interception, to target high-risk areas and consignments,” Aliyu concluded.
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Want me to also do a shorter 200-word version with a punchier tabloid-style headline like *”Customs Nets N3.2bn Smugglers, Seizes Drugs, Ivory, 8 Truckloads of Rice”* for print?
