Customs Seizes ₦1.78 BillioThe Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated its determination to strengthen border security and safeguard the nation’s economy from criminal activities.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that this commitment was made public during a press briefing held at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, July 18, 2025, by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adeniyi Adewale, who was represented by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Hussein Ejibunu.
According to ACG Ejibunu, between June 3 and July 18, 2025, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ carried out 102 enforcement operations across the South-West, disrupting several smuggling syndicates. These operations led to the seizure of contraband goods valued at ₦1,784,432,000 in Duty Paid Value (DPV). Among the seized items were 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 304kg of Cannabis Sativa, 7,900 litres of petrol, 95 cartons of frozen poultry, and other prohibited goods such as used tyres, clothing, vehicles, and household items.
He further disclosed that the Unit intercepted multiple misdeclared containers aimed at smuggling prohibited items into the country. These included containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, used tyres, foreign supermarket products, and other restricted items. Nine suspects were arrested during the operations, with some granted administrative bail while others remain under investigation.
In addition to the seizures, the Unit recovered ₦95,587,231.47 from underpaid import duties through Demand Notices issued on improperly declared cargo. Commending the Customs officers for their efforts, ACG Ejibunu described them as patriots who risk their lives daily. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with traditional institutions, sister agencies, and the public to ensure continued success in securing Nigeria’s borders.