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By Steve Agbota
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The Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja of the Nigeria Customs Service on Tuesday said it arrested eight suspected smugglers with hard drugs, petroleum products, and other contraband worth over N3.319 billion.
Showcasing the seizures to journalists at the command warehouse in Ikeja, the Comptroller of the unit, Gambo Aliyu, listed the various items to include 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg and equivalent to 12 trailer loads; 77 bags of foreign sugar, each weighing 50kg; and 21 units of assorted Tokunbo vehicles.
Others include 3,362 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil, 25 litres each; 20,700 litres of PMS; 915 bales of used clothing; and a 20-foot container with number SUDU 7640333 containing 20 pallets of stone-coated aluminium roofing sheets.
Aliyu said that amid rising crime and criminality in the country today, the unit intensified its onslaught against drug trafficking syndicates and intercepted 3,029 parcels of a synthetic strain of cannabis indica, ‘Ghanaian loud’, weighing 1,431kg.
He said this singular move significantly disrupted supply chain networks, adding that these efforts occurred against the backdrop of spiralling incidences of banditry, terrorism, and pervasive societal vices that threaten national stability.
“Drug trafficking fuels these threats by providing chemical catalysts such as methamphetamine and others that embolden perpetrators, erode morale, and destabilise the nation. The effects ripple through public spaces, increasing health burdens from addiction-related illnesses, with attendant economic losses from youth unemployment, among others,” he said.
Other notable seizures within the period under review include four live pangolins intercepted along the waterways of Alapa Creek, Ajilete.
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Aliyu said the seized endangered species, which are the most endangered mammals in the world, were handed to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for safekeeping.
Aliyu also noted the seizure of 581 used refrigerator compressors concealed in a vehicle, which he said is a vital win for Nigeria’s environment and public safety, considering its effects on the environment.
According to him, used compressors often carry hazardous oils, refrigerants, and residues that leach toxins into soil and emit greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide, among others, that deplete the ozone layer if not properly disposed of.
Aliyu urged perpetrators of illicit trade to be patriotic enough to change their ways and embrace legitimate trade or face the consequences of their actions, as Customs’ determination is resolute.
The Comptroller handed over the seized drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
He said in addition to these laudable achievements, the unit continues to enforce import and export compliance by addressing issues of misdeclaration of cargo, and some Demand Notices (DN) were issued.
He said that from December 10, 2025, a total of N36.9 million was recovered.
