The Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit Zone A has intercepted 220 consignments of smuggled goods valued at about N3.24 billion during operations conducted over eight weeks.
The unit also recovered N728.97 million in revenue that could otherwise have been lost through improper declarations and other compliance breaches.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu said the seizures resulted from intelligence gathering, risk profiling and targeted operations against suspicious consignments.
Among the intercepted items were 22 elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilograms, highlighting efforts by Customs to curb illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.
The unit also seized 4,956 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to about eight trailer loads, along with 12 foreign used vehicles, 686 cartons of poultry products and 414 bales of used clothing.
Customs officers additionally intercepted 964 jerrycans containing about 24,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit as well as 26 cartons of foreign vegetable oil.
Large quantities of suspected narcotics were also recovered.
These included 2,683 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing 1,439.9 kilograms, 49 parcels of Ghanaian Loud, 13 additional parcels of cannabis and 240,000 Tramadol tablets.
The unit also seized 12,000 Hypnox tablets, one parcel of methamphetamine and 2,947 used tyres.
Aliyu said the operations demonstrated the determination of Customs to protect government revenue, local industries, public health and national security.
He said preventing the illegal movement of prohibited and restricted goods would also help protect legitimate businesses from unfair competition.
The comptroller urged importers and clearing agents to provide accurate information when making declarations and comply fully with customs regulations.
He attributed the successes recorded by the unit to cooperation with other security agencies as well as intelligence supplied by members of the public.
Aliyu said the Federal Operations Unit would maintain its enforcement efforts while continuing to facilitate legitimate trade and support the Federal Government’s economic objectives.
