Custom Renews Operational Strategy, Blocks 195 Smuggling Attempts Worth N6.1bn
Custom Renews Operational Strategy, Blocks 195 Smuggling Attempts Worth N6.1bn
The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, blocking 195 smuggling attempts involving illicit and prohibited items with a Duty-Paid Value of N6,194,695,947.
The Acting Comptroller of the Unit, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Oladapo Afeni, revealed this at a press briefing on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, in Ikeja, Lagos.
DC Afeni attributed the swift breakthrough to a deliberate shift toward modern, proactive enforcement methods.
“Since I assumed office, we have streamlined and coordinated internal processes, prioritised intelligence-driven enforcement, improved surveillance, enforced risk-based examination, and built stronger collaboration with relevant government agencies and stakeholders. Our approach is simple. We will act professionally to enforce the law firmly, protect legitimate trade, and ensure that those who seek to undermine the nation’s economy face the consequences of their actions,” he said.
Afeni further revealed that the intercepted seizures include: 3,028 bags of 50kg smuggled rice, 5,986 parcels of Cannabis Indica weighing 3,407.83kg, 6,949 cartons of smuggled spaghetti, 21 foreign-used vehicles, and 11 means of conveyance, among others. He explained that the recent success goes beyond mere statistics, representing revenue recovered into the Federal Government’s coffers to protect indigenous industries and save citizens’ lives from dangerous and substandard goods.
In line with existing inter-agency collaboration, the illicit substances were formally handed over to the representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Lagos Strategic Command, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Nurudeen Abdullahi, who commended the synergy between both agencies.
“Ninety-eight percent of crime is committed as a result of drugs. So please know that this fight is not only for Customs or the NDLEA. Let all of us enlighten the public about the dangers of drugs and the negative impact of illicit activities on businesses,” Abdullahi said.
