The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a significant breakthrough in its anti-smuggling campaign, seizing contraband valued at N3.32 billion within the last five weeks. According to Vanguard, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ in Ikeja, intercepted 144 smuggling attempts across the South-West corridor. The seized items include prohibited pharmaceutical products, foreign parboiled rice, and environmentally hazardous waste such as used refrigerator compressors.
Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the operations also yielded the rescue of four live pangolins, highlighting the Service’s role in wildlife protection. The Customs Area Controller noted that the seizures were made possible through intelligence-led operations and increased surveillance at border points. Leadership validated these claims, quoting the Controller who said: “Our officers remain vigilant against those who seek to undermine our economy and the health of our citizens through illicit trade.”
In an update published by The Nation, the NCS confirmed that several suspects were apprehended during the raids and are currently assisting with investigations. The report cited a spokesperson from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who praised the synergy between the agencies: “The collaboration between Customs and NDLEA is crucial in choking the supply chains of narcotics and dangerous substances entering the country.”
Echotitbits take:
The sheer volume of these seizures reflects both the persistence of smugglers and the increasing effectiveness of the Customs Service’s tactical units. The inclusion of wildlife and hazardous waste shows a broadening of the NCS mandate beyond just revenue collection. Watch for a possible hike in the price of certain black-market goods as these supply routes remain under heavy pressure.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/customs-intercepts-144-smuggling-attempts-seizes-n3-3bn-contraband/, February 9, 2026
Photo credit: Vanguard
