Nigeria Customs Seizes ₦3.1 Billion Contraband, Arrests 13 in Three Weeks

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of contraband goods valued at ₦3.1 billion and the arrest of 13 suspected smugglers in a sweeping anti-smuggling operation carried out over the last three weeks.

The operation, which spanned several border points, highways, and storage facilities, was part of the NCS’s intensified enforcement drive to curb illicit trade, protect local industries, and safeguard the nation’s revenue base. Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, describing the seizures as a significant blow to smuggling networks operating across Nigeria.

According to Adeniyi, the intercepted items included foreign parboiled rice, premium motor spirit (PMS), second-hand clothes, used vehicles, and various prohibited goods. He revealed that some of the contraband was smuggled through unapproved routes, while others were hidden in warehouses and private residences after evading initial detection at the borders.

The Customs chief explained that the seizures were made possible through robust intelligence gathering, surveillance, and the coordinated efforts of various NCS commands. “Our officers acted on credible intelligence to track, intercept, and confiscate these illicit goods. The operations involved both day and night raids, often under challenging conditions,” Adeniyi stated.

He added that the 13 suspects arrested in connection with the seizures are currently in custody and will face prosecution once investigations are concluded. “We will ensure that due legal processes are followed and that those found culpable are made to face the full weight of the law,” he assured.

Adeniyi reiterated that the NCS remains committed to its dual mandate of revenue generation and suppression of smuggling, stressing that smuggling undermines the nation’s economic growth, distorts market prices, and threatens the survival of legitimate businesses. He called on Nigerians to support the service’s efforts by providing timely information on suspicious activities.

Highlighting the economic impact of smuggling, Adeniyi noted that the illegal importation of goods not only robs the government of needed revenue but also puts local farmers, manufacturers, and traders at a disadvantage. “For example, the smuggling of rice affects our local rice producers and compromises the government’s drive towards food self-sufficiency,” he said.

The Comptroller-General also warned smugglers that the NCS has stepped up its surveillance capabilities, including the deployment of advanced tracking technologies, patrol boats, and specially trained border operatives. He said the service is working closely with other security agencies to ensure a sustained crackdown on cross-border criminality.

In addition to the seizures, Customs officers also confiscated trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles used in transporting the contraband. Many of these vehicles, he said, were specially modified with hidden compartments to conceal smuggled goods.

Adeniyi lauded the dedication and professionalism of NCS officers who carried out the operations, noting that some of them faced threats from armed smugglers. “Our officers are putting their lives on the line every day to protect the nation’s economy. We will continue to support and equip them to perform their duties effectively,” he added.

He also urged community leaders in border areas to educate residents about the dangers of aiding and abetting smuggling, warning that those caught assisting smugglers will be prosecuted. “We must all work together to end this economic sabotage,” Adeniyi stressed.

The NCS has in recent months intensified efforts to meet its revenue targets while clamping down on illicit trade. This renewed drive aligns with the federal government’s strategy to boost economic resilience, promote local manufacturing, and reduce dependency on imports.

Over the past year, Customs operations have resulted in the seizure of goods worth billions of naira, with significant arrests made in various states. The service has also been engaging stakeholders, including traders’ associations and border communities, to foster cooperation in the fight against smuggling.

Industry experts say the latest ₦3.1 billion seizure demonstrates the effectiveness of the NCS’s new operational approach, which blends technology-driven surveillance with grassroots intelligence gathering. They, however, called for sustained enforcement and tougher penalties for convicted smugglers to serve as a deterrent.

The Comptroller-General affirmed that the service will not relent in its mission to protect Nigeria’s borders and economy. “Let it be clear to all smugglers and their collaborators — we will find you, we will seize your goods, and you will face justice,” he warned.

The arrested suspects, along with the seized items, are expected to be presented in court in the coming weeks as part of the NCS’s commitment to transparency and due process. Adeniyi concluded by reiterating that every seizure made by the Customs Service is a step towards securing Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and safeguarding the future of its industries.