FOU Zone A records 195 seizures, confiscates 3.4 tonnes of cannabis, 23,220 machetes and 21 vehicles in intensified anti-smuggling operations.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, has intercepted smuggled and prohibited goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦6.19bn in four weeks, while recovering an additional ₦683.66m through revenue enforcement and compliance operations.
The seizures, which included more than 3.4 tonnes of cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, thousands of machetes, ammunition and 21 foreign-used vehicles, formed part of an intensified campaign against smuggling, revenue leakages and cross-border criminal activities.
Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Oladapo Afeni, disclosed the figures on Tuesday during his maiden press briefing on the unit’s activities in Ikeja, Lagos.
Afeni said the unit recorded 195 interceptions within the four-week period through intelligence-led operations, improved surveillance, risk-based examinations and collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies.
According to him, the seized goods had a combined value of ₦6,194,695,947.05, reflecting the scale of enforcement activities undertaken by the unit.
He said the operations were aimed at protecting government revenue, preventing the entry of prohibited goods and disrupting activities capable of undermining national security.
Cannabis, cocaine and other drugs dominate seizures
Narcotics constituted a significant portion of the intercepted goods, with Customs operatives recovering 5,986 parcels of Cannabis sativa and indica weighing a combined 3,407.83 kilogrammes.
The unit also seized 400 grammes of cocaine, 100 grammes of methamphetamine and several consignments of codeine-based products, comprising 57 cartons, 37 packs and six individual pieces of codeine syrup.
Afeni expressed concern over the volume of cannabis intercepted, warning that the increasing availability of potent varieties posed serious risks to young people, families and public health.
He cited the 2025 World Drug Report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which identified cannabis as the most widely available and commonly used drug globally.
The Customs chief said the scale of narcotics interceptions reinforced the need for stronger cooperation among enforcement agencies to prevent illicit substances from entering communities.
He confirmed that seized narcotics and suspects would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
23,220 machetes, ammunition raise security concerns
Beyond narcotics, the unit intercepted 23,220 pieces of new machetes allegedly imported without the required certificates and permits.
It also seized 1,250 rounds of 12-calibre Red Star cartridges, raising concerns over the possible security implications of illegal imports of potentially dangerous items.
Afeni warned that the machetes could be diverted for criminal purposes, including activities capable of disrupting public order and peaceful elections.
The interceptions highlight the security dimension of Customs enforcement, particularly as the movement of prohibited goods across Nigeria’s borders can create opportunities for criminal networks.
The unit also recovered eight live pangolins, an interception that points to the continuing challenge of illegal wildlife trafficking.
Rice, poultry, spaghetti and other goods intercepted
The enforcement operations also targeted food products and other merchandise imported in violation of applicable regulations.
Among the seized goods were 3,028 bags of 50kg imported rice, 995 bags of 25kg rice, 104 bags of 20kg rice and 207 bags of 5kg rice.
Other food-related seizures included 173 cartons of imported frozen poultry products, 6,949 cartons of smuggled spaghetti, 20 cartons of couscous, 101 bags of imported sugar and eight bags of powdered milk.
Customs operatives also intercepted 250 cartons of Lotus sardines without National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) numbers, alongside 12 bags of grain oat products.
The seizures extended to 459 bales and 39 jumbo sacks of second-hand clothing, 1,236 used tyres, 33 used rims and 8,025 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The unit further intercepted a 40-foot container carrying 2,760 pieces of office chairs in Completely Knocked Down (CKD) form.
In addition, 21 foreign-used vehicles and 11 means of conveyance were seized during the operations.
Customs recovers ₦683.66m through revenue enforcement
Apart from physical seizures, FOU Zone A recorded ₦683,661,304.05 in revenue recovery between September 30, 2026, and the date of the briefing.
Afeni attributed the recovery to intensified compliance checks, scrutiny of import declarations, correction of under-valuations and the issuance of demand notices to importers and other defaulters.
He said the unit had strengthened risk profiling, targeted examinations and compliance monitoring to identify discrepancies in import documentation and prevent revenue losses.
The recovery demonstrates the importance of post-clearance enforcement and monitoring in addressing revenue leakages beyond the interception of prohibited goods.
For the Federal Government, improved Customs revenue collection remains important amid pressure to expand non-oil revenue and strengthen public finances.
Interagency cooperation strengthens enforcement
Afeni said the unit had sustained collaboration with several security and regulatory agencies to improve the effectiveness of its anti-smuggling operations.
The agencies include the NDLEA, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Army and NAFDAC.
He explained that seized items would be transferred to the appropriate agencies in line with their statutory responsibilities, while suspects linked to narcotics offences would be handed over to the NDLEA.
The Acting Comptroller also assured importers, licensed Customs agents and other stakeholders that the unit would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while maintaining zero tolerance for fraudulent declarations, duty evasion and activities that threaten national security.
He urged members of the public to support enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious activities and complying with import regulations.
Afeni commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the service for the confidence placed in him, promising to sustain intelligence-led operations, revenue protection and professional service delivery.
The latest figures underscore the dual responsibility of Customs enforcement: protecting the country’s borders from prohibited goods while ensuring that legitimate trade and government revenue are not undermined by smuggling and fraudulent import practices.
