…Seizes prohibited goods, vehicles in intensified anti-smuggling operations
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ (FOU ‘A’), has intercepted 220 consignments of prohibited and illegally imported goods with a combined duty-paid value of about N3.24 billion in the South-West.
The development was disclosed by the Unit on Monday as Customs intensified its operations against smuggling networks operating across the South-West corridor. The seizures followed a series of intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting the movement of prohibited goods and denying smugglers access to established routes in the region.
According to the NCS, the intercepted consignments comprised various categories of prohibited goods, which were seized in line with the provisions of Nigeria’s customs laws and the Federal Government’s policy on restricted imports.
The Unit said the latest seizures reflected its continued efforts to strengthen border control, protect legitimate businesses and prevent the activities of smugglers from undermining the Nigerian economy.
The NCS has consistently maintained that smuggling poses significant threats to domestic industries, government revenue and national security, particularly when prohibited commodities are moved through unapproved routes and concealed in vehicles or other means of transportation.
The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, which covers the South-West, has consequently intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering along major smuggling corridors in the region.
The Customs authorities also warned individuals and organised groups involved in smuggling that the Service would continue to deploy intelligence, technology and operational resources to identify and dismantle their networks.
The NCS urged members of the public to support its anti-smuggling campaign by providing credible information on suspicious activities, while encouraging traders and importers to comply with existing customs regulations.
The latest seizure, valued at N3.24 billion, represents another major setback for smuggling networks operating across the South-West and underscores the Customs Service’s renewed determination to tighten enforcement and protect Nigeria’s economic interests.
The Service said its operations would continue, with particular attention being paid to routes and locations identified as major channels for the movement of prohibited goods.