Customs Seize 139 trailers of rice, Other Contraband Valued at Over N10 Billion in 2023

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ in Ikeja Lagos, under the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), made headlines by disclosing its significant seizures of prohibited goods valued at more than N10 billion throughout 2023.

During a press briefing, Controller Hussain Ejubunu, the Zone’s Comptroller, shed light on the unit’s robust anti-smuggling operations and the magnitude of their interventions.

Ejubunu unveiled that the FOU executed a whopping total of 1,119 seizures with an aggregate duty value exceeding N10.395 billion in the year. Foremost among the confiscations was a staggering haul of 139 trailer loads, equivalent to 83,170 bags, each weighing 50 kilograms, of foreign parboiled rice.

The intercepted items encompassed a wide range of contraband, including vehicles, marijuana, tramadol, used tires, poultry products, footwear, and petroleum products.

Asserting the unit’s dedication to combatting smuggling, Ejubunu stressed the imperative to dissuade Nigerians from participating in any smuggling-related activities, whether as sponsors, couriers, or enablers. He attributed their success to the unwavering support received from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, acknowledging this backing as pivotal to their accomplishments.

The seizures were comprehensive, covering a gamut of items such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Indian Hemp, used clothing, frozen poultry, illicit drugs, bulletproof jackets, jack knives, military camouflage, carbide, charcoal, and foreign-used vehicles.

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In addition to the seizures, the unit arrested 136 individuals suspected of involvement in smuggling activities across various points within the zone’s jurisdiction. Subsequent investigations led to the prosecution of 16 individuals by the Federal High Courts for a spectrum of smuggling-related offenses.

Highlighting their fiscal contribution, Ejubunu emphasized the unit’s recovery of N851,719,905.01 as revenue through meticulous scrutiny of documents, pinpointing duty payment inconsistencies and ensuring the retrieval of accurate revenue owed to the federal government.

Concluding his address, Ejubunu issued a stern warning to potential smugglers, affirming the unit’s unwavering commitment to intensify their clampdown in 2024. He also underscored the consequences for individuals attacking customs personnel during their lawful duties, making it clear that no assailant would escape legal repercussions.