Customs Intercepts Tokunbo Vehicles, Drugs, Bulletproof Vests in Multi-Billion Naira Seizure Across Southwest Nigeria
Nigeria Customs Service’s Zone A intercepted contraband worth over ₦1.28 billion in a two-week operation, seizing vehicles, cannabis, used tires, fuel, and unregistered pharmaceuticals across Lagos and Ogun.
Controller Mohammed Shuaibu confirmed seven arrests and praised officers for their vigilance. The operation highlights renewed commitment to tackling smuggling and protecting Nigeria’s economy under his new leadership.
In a sweeping two-week anti-smuggling operation, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded major seizures of contraband and illicit goods across key locations in Lagos, Ogun, and other parts of the South-West. The seizures, announced on Tuesday, were valued at over ₦1.28 billion and include tokunbo vehicles, cannabis, used tires, fuel, bulletproof vests, and unregistered pharmaceuticals.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the Customs Area Controller of Zone A, Controller Mohammed Shuaibu, revealed that 46 interceptions were made between May 19 and May 26, 2025, following a series of intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing the growing menace of smuggling in the region.
According to Controller Shuaibu, a major breakthrough occurred on May 23 and 24 when customs patrol teams intercepted two 40-foot containers with registration numbers MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090 along the Ijora-Olopa and Mile 2 corridors of Lagos. A detailed examination uncovered the smuggling of seven Mitsubishi Canters, five Toyota Hiace buses, and three mini shuttle buses all dismantled in an apparent bid to evade customs duties.
Other contraband items found in the containers included 312 used bicycles, 23 bales of second-hand clothing, 42 used gas cylinders, 30 used flat-screen TVs, 65 tabletop gas cookers, and 31 units of split air conditioners. These goods, he said, are prohibited under Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff and were brought in with the intent to bypass import regulations.
On May 19, a separate patrol team seized a Volvo truck loaded with 1,263 used tires and other uncustomed goods. One suspect was arrested in connection with the consignment. That same night, customs officers along the Shagamu-Ijebu Ode expressway in Ogun State intercepted another suspicious vehicle. Upon inspection, it was found to be transporting bulletproof vests and various packages of the banned pharmaceutical, Tramadol.
Further intensifying surveillance efforts, the unit scored another win on May 26 when a seemingly empty Mercedes-Benz truck was stopped and inspected along the Ijebu-Ode axis. Officers discovered 1,665 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, carefully hidden within the truck’s compartments. One individual was apprehended during the operation.
In addition to vehicle and drug seizures, customs teams across border communities like Idiroko, Ilara, Imeko, Badagry, Shaki, Iseyin, and others recovered 2,051 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), equivalent to four trailer loads. Other confiscated items include 4,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), an expired goods-laden J5 commercial bus, and a Volvo truck carrying 180 sacks of towels.
Altogether, seven suspects were arrested during the course of these operations, which netted a total duty-paid value of ₦1,285,600,383.00.
Shuaibu noted that these efforts reflect the unit’s unwavering dedication to combating smuggling and preserving the nation’s economic integrity. The clampdown comes just three weeks after he assumed leadership of the unit on April 23, 2025. Within that short period, the FOU Zone A had already intercepted contraband goods worth over ₦1.5 billion.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, as the lead border security agency and a facilitator of trade, is focused on maintaining a fine balance between enforcement and support for legitimate trade,” he stated. “However, we are aware that our efforts will always be challenged by individuals whose illegal enterprises have been disrupted.”
He emphasized that the Customs Service will not be deterred by threats or criticisms and reaffirmed the commitment of officers to uphold the rule of law, even at great personal risk.
Shuaibu also confirmed that the intercepted Cannabis Sativa will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for proper investigation and prosecution. Additionally, the unit recovered ₦48,340,720.08 in revenue within the two-week period through the issuance of demand notices to importers who engaged in improper declarations.
“As criminals become more desperate and sophisticated, we at the Federal Operations Unit Zone A will continue to build a more formidable defense against smuggling and other economic crimes,” he concluded. “Our focus remains on safeguarding national security, enhancing government revenue, and protecting legitimate businesses.”
