Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, have disrupted a major smuggling ring, intercepting 133 consignments of prohibited goods worth N3.24 billion and recovering N728.98 million in lost revenue.

According to a press release issued on Monday, 10 August 2026, by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, the seizures were recorded through intelligence-led operations, enhanced risk profiling, rigorous compliance checks and targeted interventions against suspicious declarations.

Among the items intercepted were 4,956 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50 kilogrammes each, 12 foreign-used vehicles, 686 cartons of foreign poultry products, 26 cartons of foreign vegetable oil, 414 bales of used clothing and 2,947 pieces of used tyres.

The Unit also recovered illicit drugs and controlled substances, including 2,683 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing 1,439.9 kilogrammes, 49 parcels of Ghanaian Loud weighing 26.1 kilogrammes, 13 parcels of granular cannabis and one parcel of crystal methamphetamine. Other seizures included 240,000 tablets of Tramadol, 12,000 tablets of Hypnox, 964 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit totalling 24,100 litres and 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilogrammes.

The Comptroller of the Unit, Gambo Aliyu said the enforcement operations were also aimed at protecting the domestic economy, supporting local industries and safeguarding national food security. He said the interception of illicit drugs and controlled substances would contribute to protecting public health, while the recovery of elephant tusks reinforced the Service’s efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.

He said the revenue recovery also underscored the Unit’s determination to identify and recover funds lost through under-declaration, false declarations and other forms of customs fraud. He urged importers, exporters and licensed customs agents to make accurate declarations and comply with extant customs laws and regulations.

“Collective compliance and vigilance remain essential to consolidating the gains recorded in revenue recovery, border protection, public safety and national economic development,” Aliyu said.

ASA