NCS Seizes N6.19bn Worth of Contraband, Foils 195 Smuggling Attempts

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, part of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has announced the seizure of smuggled contraband items worth approximately N6.19 billion in a four-week period. Acting Controller Oladapo Afeni revealed that 195 smuggling attempts were thwarted during this time. Afeni emphasized that the unit remains committed to protecting revenue, enforcing customs law, and safeguarding Nigeria's economy and security interests.

The successes achieved within weeks of Afeni's appointment were attributed to streamlined and coordinated internal processes, intelligence-driven enforcement, improved surveillance, risk-based examination, and stronger collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders. Among the seized items were 3,028 bags of 50 kg rice, 995 bags of 25 kg rice, 104 bags of 20 kg rice, and 207 bags of 5 kg rice.

Additionally, 5,986 parcels of cannabis weighing 3.4 tonnes, 1,736 cartons of smuggled frozen poultry, 6,949 cartons of smuggled spaghetti, 459 bales and 39 jumbo sacks of used clothing, 1,236 used tyres, 33 used rings, 8,025 litres of PMS, and various packs and bottles of coding syrup were seized. Afeni warned that the unit will continue to enforce the law strictly, protect legitimate trade, and ensure that those who undermine the nation's economy face consequences.