The Nigeria Customs Service, Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, South West, has announced the interception of contraband goods valued at N556 million over the past four weeks.
These seizures include 816 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 802 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit popularly known as petro, and several other illicit items.
The team’s Coordinator, Deputy Controller of Customs Mohammed Shuaibu, revealed the details during a press briefing in Ikeja on Monday.
Shuaibu listed other contrabands seized during this period as 285 bales of used clothing, 61 jumbo sacks of used shoes, 674kg of cannabis sativa, and eight used vehicles.
He explained that the “duty-paid value of all the seizures made over the last month totalled N556m. Additionally, N8.02m was generated from the auction of the PMS, which could not be stored due to its flammability.”
Shuaibu pointed out that two individuals were arrested concerning some of the seized items.
As part of the ongoing efforts to curb illegal migration, Shuaibu also confirmed the arrest of 34 illegal migrants, who were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for prosecution.
Highlighting the dangers of illicit drugs, Shuaibu noted that 674kg of cannabis sativa were intercepted in the Idi-iroko and Imeko areas of Ogun State.
He warned of the harmful impact such drugs have on individuals and communities, linking drug abuse to organised crime, violence, and health issues.
“The narcotics will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation,” he said.
Shuaibu called on citizens to cooperate with the service in combating smuggling, emphasising that public involvement is key to identifying smuggling routes and networks.
He reiterated the team’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economy, ensuring national security, and protecting public health.
“Our officers have stepped up patrols, surveillance, and intelligence gathering along border areas to disrupt smuggling operations. These illegal activities undermine our economy, fuel insecurity, and exploit vulnerable citizens. The Federal Government’s strong stance against such crimes continues to drive our operations,” he concluded.
