By Stephen Simon
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, has intercepted 195 smuggling attempts involving prohibited and restricted goods valued at ₦6.19 billion in four weeks.
The Acting Comptroller of the unit, Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Tuesday during his maiden press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, where he presented the operational achievements of the command.
Afeni said the seizures had a total Duty Paid Value of ₦6.19 billion, comprising imported rice, cannabis, frozen poultry products, spaghetti, used clothing, tyres, petroleum products and other prohibited items.
Other seized goods included 5,986 parcels of cannabis weighing 3,407.83 kilogrammes, 400 grammes of cocaine, 100 grammes of methamphetamine, 1,250 cartridges, 23,220 new machetes and 21 foreign-used vehicles.
The Customs boss expressed particular concern over the interception of the machetes, warning that the items could be deployed to disrupt peaceful elections in the coming months.
He also said the seizure of large quantities of cannabis would help curb drug availability, protect young people and prevent the social consequences associated with substance abuse.
Beyond the seizures, Afeni disclosed that the unit recovered ₦683.66 million in additional revenue between September 30, 2026, and November 3, 2026, through enhanced compliance checks and the correction of under-valued declarations.
He attributed the achievements to intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies, including the NDLEA, police and other relevant organisations.
Afeni assured legitimate importers of continued trade facilitation but warned that the unit would not tolerate smuggling, duty evasion or activities threatening national security.
