The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted goods worth over ₦1 billion in the South-East region within the last one month. The seized items include crude oil, diesel, petrol, cannabis sativa, used clothes, and a variety of other prohibited items.
This was disclosed at the weekend by the newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun, during his first press briefing at the unit’s headquarters in Owerri, Imo State.
According to the Comptroller, the total value of the intercepted contraband was ₦1,010,113,880.00, with an additional ₦13,451,848.00 recovered through Demand Notices (DN) from importers who tried to evade duty payments.
Comptroller Balogun listed the seized items, which include:
– 78 jerry cans of 25 litres of crude oil
– 102 bottles of 75cl of diesel
– 80 jerry cans of 25 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
– 725 bales of second-hand clothing
– 2,762 rolls of 60-yard satin fabric
– 2,589 used tyres
– 233 sacks of 2kg foreign rice
– 181 rolls of wall covering
– 32 new tyres
– 25 bales of cannabis sativa
– 24 bottles of 150cl of diesel
– 14 bags of 50kg foreign rice
– 3 cartons of Bedwine
– 1 sack of used shoes
– 1 Scania container body truck (Reg. No. T 281 A2LA)
– 1 Mercedes truck (Reg. No. NKE 323 XE)
The Comptroller emphasized that these seizures were made across different parts of the South-East through intelligence-led operations supported by effective patrols.
Balogun strongly condemned smuggling, describing it as a form of economic sabotage that threatens local industries, reduces government revenue, and affects the general well-being of Nigerians.
“No matter the tactics of smugglers and their backers, we will not back down. We are committed to carrying out our duties as empowered by the law,” he said.
He added that the unit’s operations are guided by intelligence-driven strategies introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to clamp down on non-compliant traders and block revenue leakages.
Among the seized goods were 25 bales of cannabis sativa, a banned narcotic substance. Comptroller Balogun said the illegal drugs would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in line with inter-agency cooperation agreements.
“This is part of our ongoing collaboration with sister agencies in the fight against illegal drugs and cross-border crimes,” he noted.
The Customs boss stressed that his unit is fully committed to supporting the economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the reform initiatives of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“Our focus is on protecting the economy, supporting legitimate trade, and preventing criminals from using our borders for illegal activities,” he said.
Balogun thanked his officers and men for their diligence, professionalism, and team spirit, which he said contributed significantly to the recent successes recorded by the unit.
He also assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to strengthen its presence across all entry points in the zone to ensure effective trade monitoring and enforcement.
The Customs chief used the briefing to call on importers, exporters, and business stakeholders to comply with trade regulations and avoid dealing in prohibited items.
“Our officers are well-trained and equipped to detect non-compliance. We urge everyone to do the right thing and contribute to national development,” he advised.
He noted that compliant traders would enjoy smoother operations, while defaulters would face the full weight of the law.
In conclusion, Comptroller Balogun thanked the media for their continued support in publicizing the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service. He urged journalists to keep educating the public on the dangers of smuggling and the importance of legitimate trade.
“The media remains a strong partner in our effort to protect the nation’s economy. We appreciate your consistent support,” he said.
The Nigeria Customs Service plays a vital role in the country’s economic security by preventing illegal imports and ensuring that correct duties are paid on goods entering the country.
FOU Zone C, headquartered in Owerri, covers the entire South-East and parts of the South-South regions. The unit is known for its strong enforcement efforts, especially in areas prone to smuggling, such as border towns and inland routes.
Since Comptroller Bashir Adewale Adeniyi became CGC in 2023, the service has intensified its crackdown on smuggling through intelligence-led operations, use of modern technology, and improved staff training.
