Nigeria Customs Seizes N6.19bn in Smuggled Goods

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, intercepted smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value of N6.19bn and recovered N683.66m in additional revenue over four weeks of intensified enforcement operations. Acting Comptroller Oladapo Afeni disclosed these details during his first press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos.

The unit thwarted 195 smuggling attempts involving prohibited goods, including 3,407.83 kg of cannabis, 400 g of cocaine, and 21 exotic vehicles, among other items. The total value of the seizures was N6,194,695,947.05.

Afeni attributed the revenue recovery to enhanced risk profiling and operational coordination with relevant agencies. He assured stakeholders of the unit's commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while combating duty evasion and protecting local industries from unfair competition.

Afeni expressed concern over the interception of 23,220 new machetes without permits, warning of potential security risks ahead of elections. The unit is collaborating with various agencies to strengthen enforcement against smuggling.