The Nigeria Customs Service has seized prohibited goods worth N3.32 billion across Lagos and nearby areas following intelligence-led operations

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted prohibited goods valued at N3.32 billion across Lagos and neighbouring areas.

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The seizures were carried out by the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, following intelligence-led operations and a restructured patrol strategy.

The Area Controller, Mr Aliyu Gambo, disclosed this during a media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday.

He said the unit recorded 144 seizures after abandoning predictable checkpoints for targeted deployments across the Lagos metropolis and its environs.

Among the intercepted items were 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to 12 trailer loads, and 77 bags of foreign sugar.

Customs officers also seized 21 used vehicles, 3,362 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil, and 20,700 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

Other items included 915 bales of used clothing and a 20-foot container loaded with stone-coated aluminium roofing sheets.

Gambo further disclosed the interception of 3,029 parcels of synthetic drug, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” weighing about 1,431 kilogrammes.

He said drug peddling contributes to crimes such as banditry and terrorism, adding that the seizures disrupted criminal supply chains.

The Customs boss revealed that one officer of the unit died in the line of duty earlier in the week. He said the incident had been reported to the Customs high command.

The command also rescued four live pangolins along Alapa Creek, Ajilete, which were handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre.

In addition, officers seized 581 used refrigerator compressors concealed in a vehicle, citing environmental and public health risks.

Gambo said the seizure complied with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the Basel Convention on hazardous waste.

Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and are currently under investigation.

The intercepted drugs will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further action.

Gambo also disclosed that the unit recovered N36.89 million through demand notices issued over cargo misdeclaration and trade compliance violations.

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He reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to combating smuggling, trans-border crimes, and economic sabotage while facilitating legitimate trade.