The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, has intercepted a consignment of smuggled bulletproof vests, 1,665kg of Cannabis Sativa, 11 used vehicles, and other contraband items with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1.28 billion across the south-western states.
The Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed the seizures during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday. He revealed that the operation was executed through coordinated intelligence-driven patrols and surveillance in states including Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo.
According to Shuaibu, the bulletproof vests were among uncustomed goods discovered on May 19, 2025, at about 11:00 p.m. during a routine patrol along the Shagamu–Ijebu-Ode Expressway.
A truck with registration number T24623LA was intercepted, and upon inspection, it was found to be transporting bulletproof vests and packages of Tramadol.
In another operation, on May 23 and 24, officers intercepted two 40-foot containers along the Ijora-Olopa and Mile 2 axis in Lagos.
The containers, MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090, were found to contain smuggled vehicles including seven Mitsubishi Canters, five Toyota Hiace buses, and three mini shuttle buses, all deliberately disassembled to evade customs duties.
Also discovered were 312 bales of printed wax, used gas cylinders, used televisions, table-top cookers, air conditioners, and other restricted items.
On May 26, officers on patrol along Ijebu-Ode arrested a suspect after discovering an empty Mercedes-Benz truck loaded with 1,665kg of Cannabis Sativa cleverly concealed in compartments within the truck.
Other notable seizures included 2,051 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to four truckloads), 4,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), one J5 commercial bus loaded with expired goods, a Volvo truck carrying 180 sacks of new towels, and 1,263 used tyres and additional contraband goods.
Shuaibu said seven suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, which were made across key flashpoints including Idiroko, Imeko, Ilaro, Ilara, Gbaji, Badagry, Abeokuta, and Iseyin.
His words: “These interceptions underscore the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to safeguard the country’s borders against economic saboteurs.
“Our operations will remain intelligence-led, and our officers will not be deterred by threats or the sophistication of smuggling techniques.”
He added that the seized Indian hemp would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution, while other items would be processed in accordance with customs regulations.
The Customs boss also revealed that within two weeks of operation, the unit recovered ₦48.34 million in lost revenue through the issuance of Demand Notices (DNs) to importers who made improper declarations.
Comptroller Shuaibu, who assumed leadership of FOU Zone A on April 23, 2025, reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to trade facilitation and national security, stating that the NCS will continue to evolve strategies to outwit smugglers and protect Nigeria’s economic interests.
