The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, has said that within two weeks, it intercepted 40ft containers, 11 vehicles, and other items that are cumulatively worth N1.28bn.

The service added that these contrabands were intercepted with Lagos and Oyo in the South Western part of the country, and seven suspects were arrested in connection with the various interceptions.

The Customs Area Controller in charge of FOU Zone A, Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed this while showcasing some of the seized contraband to journalists at the command in Ikeja on Tuesday.

Giving details of the seizures, he stressed that in May, within the Lagos metropolis, the unit intercepted and seized two 40ft containers along the Ijora-Olopa and Mile 2 Axis.

He added that examination revealed that the containers were carrying, “seven Mitsubishi Canters, five Toyota Hiace Buses, and three mini shuttle buses, all cut up with the clear intention of evading Customs duties.”

“Other items include used bicycles, 312 bales of printed wax, 23 bales of used clothing, 42 used gas cylinders, 30 used flat screens televisions, 65 tabletop cookers, and 31 units of used split air conditioning, among others,” Shuaibu said.

The CAC added that the importation of these items contravenes Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff.  He mentioned that also in May, the unit intercepted a Volvo truck, adding that during investigation, the car was carrying 1,263 pieces of used tyres and other goods, “One suspect was also arrested.”

According to him, officers of the unit on routine patrol along Shagamu/Ijebu-Ode Expressway in Ogun State “intercepted one truck with registration number T24623LA suspected to be conveying contraband goods including bulletproof vests. The investigation report revealed the content to include some packages of tramadol.”

“Furthermore, in May, through intelligence-driven operations, our men on the Ijebu-Ode Patrol team arrested one empty Mercedes Benz truck. A thorough inspection of the truck and careful observation by our officers revealed the concealment of cannabis sativa in the compartments of the truck. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure,” he said.

He warned that the unit’s patrol teams around the border areas across the six states of the Southwest have intensified surveillance of the borders against unscrupulous elements among Nigerians, resulting in several seizures of rice, cannabis sativa, used cars, and other goods in flash points of, “Imeko, Ilaro, Owode, Idiroko, Ilara,  Ihumbo, Abeokuta, Badagry,  Agbara,  Gbaji, Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo state.”

He emphasised that a total of 46 interceptions were recorded during the two weeks of operations.

“Other seizures include four trailer loads of rice, 11 used vehicles, 1,665kg of cannabis sativa, 4, 000 litres of premium motor spirit, one white and Black J5 commercial bus loaded with expired goods, one Volvo Truck containing 180 sacks of new towel. Seven suspects were arrested in connection with the various seizures, which have a duty paid value of N1,28bn,” he said.

He pointed out that the seizures come on the heels of successes recorded in the unit’s anti-smuggling activities. He highlighted that the NCS, as a lead agency in border security and facilitator of trade, is not unaware of the need to balance both responsibilities through risk management tools at their disposal.

“We are also aware that those whose illicit businesses have been significantly hindered by our operations will spare no efforts in devising different methods to counter us,” he said.

He reiterated that the unit remains alive to its responsibilities and will not be deterred by naysayers.