Customs FOU ‘A’ Vows to Crush Smuggling Networks in South-West
…As Compt Shuaibu Declares 13 Arrests, Seizure of ₦3.14bn Contraband
By Lucy Nyambi
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its determination to dismantle smuggling networks in the South-West, following a string of high-impact interceptions.
At a press briefing on Thursday, 14 August 2025, in Ikeja, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu announced that recent anti-smuggling operations had yielded contraband worth ₦3,144,680,000 in three weeks.
Relying on intelligence-led tactics, the unit recorded 76 interceptions, including:
4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice
22 used vehicles
485 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
57 parcels of cannabis sativa
120 bales of used clothing
Eight containers containing goods such as used shoes, furniture, alcoholic beverages, auto parts, used tyres, and vehicles were also seized for misdeclaration or duty evasion.
Thirteen suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. Some have been granted administrative bail, while others are in the custody of relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Comptroller Shuaibu commended the operatives of FOU Zone A and reiterated the unit’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders.
In a show of inter-agency cooperation, the confiscated cannabis sativa was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Receiving the items, NDLEA Deputy Commander of Narcotics Bungudu Nasiru praised the partnership, stressing that the seizure would aid the fight against illicit drugs and bolster national stability.
