Smugglers Count Losses, As FOU ZONE ‘A’ Shows Gallantry With Over N1.5 billion worth of Seizures
Smugglers Count Losses, As FOU ZONE ‘A’ Shows Gallantry With Over N1.5 billion worth of Seizures
By Jerry Aguigbo
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ has through intelligence driven methods mixed with a show of force inflicted significant losses on Smugglers who are hellbent on flying Containers and circumventing clearing processes in the ports.
Since resuming office as Area Controller, FOU Zone ‘A’, Lagos, Comptroller Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu has initiated a transformation of operational strategies, moving away from traditional stop-and-search methods to more intelligence-driven operations that reduce unnecessary delays, this has culminated in the gains recorded within 3 Months as CAC of the Unit.
Showcasing an assortment of seizures yesterday, at FOU Lagos, Comptroller Shuaibu informed that his Team made this significant achievement in its ongoing battle against illicit trade possible, acting on credible intelligence.
“We successfully intercepted and seized 7X20ft containers filled with various illicit items within the Lagos metropolis preliminary investigations revealed the following contents:
i. MSKU 8551954 – Used tyres and vehicle
ii. SYDU 1479614 = foreign parboiled rice
iii. MSKU 7751689 = foreign parboiled rice
iv. MSKU 798700 = foreign parboiled rice
V. ZCSU 8845072 = New shoes
vi. ZCSU 7055181= New Clothes
vii. PIDU 4258491= New bags
In the same vein, our renewed efforts have significantly bolstered our strategies to secure Nigeria’s southwestern states borders against economic saboteurs. Within this short period of three(3) weeks, this unit has inflicted substantial losses on these non-state actors through the interception of numerous illegal goods. Notable seizures include:
4,085 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg—equivalent to seven (7) trailer loads.
15 illegally imported foreign-used vehicles.
82 packs of Tramadol, with 10 sachets per pack.
246 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa.
290 jerry cans of premium motor spirit (PMS)
12 Bales and 4 sacks of used clothing.”
Four (4) suspects, he disclosed, were arrested in connection with the various seizures, which have a duty paid value (DPV) of one billion, five hundred and one million, three hundred and twelve thousand, four hundred and twenty-five naira (N1, 501,312,425.00) only.
Shuaibu revealed that his Unit also generated revenue primarily through the interventions executed by personnel, issuing demand notices (DN) where shortfalls are identified, and conducting auction sales of seized perishable goods. “We have diligently optimized these revenue streams to ensure accurate recovery of funds. As of today, we have successfully recovered a total of twenty million, seven hundred and nine-two thousand, three hundred and seventy- two naira, ninety-nine kobo (N20, 792, 372.99) only, through the issuance of demand notices from irregular importation and auction sales of seized petroleum products.”
He stressed that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its efforts to combat smuggling, counterfeit products, and other forms of illicit trade. These achievements he said testify to its unwavering dedication to protecting the Nigerian economy and citizens. Shuaibu vowed to continue to collaborate with sister security agencies and border communities to dismantle the networks engaged in illicit activities.
In line with the dictate of the NCS to foster inter-agency collaboration, the Controller handed over the seized 246kg of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency ( *NDLEA* ) and the tramadol capsules was also handed over to the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control ( *NAFDAC* ) for further investigation and prosecution. He encouraged the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities relating to smuggling or illicit trade.
He urged declarants to remain honest in their declarations to avoid unnecessary bottlenecks.
His words: “In an era characterized by increasing global integration, efficient trade facilitation is vital for unlocking economic potential, creating jobs, and fostering regional integration. I take this responsibility seriously. Our intelligence driven operations are designed to create a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive trading environment that will benefit our stakeholders and the public through barrier-free operations, as we intend to collapse all patrol points within Lagos metropolis.”
Comptroller Shuaibu expressed his gratitude to the CGC and the management team for this opportunity once again to serve as comptroller FOU A. He pledged to remain committed to fulfilling his responsibilities to the best of his ability.
He commended all dedicated officers and urged them to maintain this momentum.
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