The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, leading to significant seizures of contraband goods valued at over N5.4 billion between December 25, 2024, and February 4, 2025. This period, spanning just six weeks, witnessed a remarkable display of vigilance and dedication by the customs officers, resulting in the interception of a diverse array of illegal items. Among the seized goods were 4,410 pieces of dry donkey skin, worth a staggering N4.2 billion, a discovery that underscores the escalating threat to endangered species. The scale of this seizure is particularly alarming, indicating a well-organized network engaged in the illegal trade of donkey skin, potentially driving the species towards extinction.
The intercepted contraband also included other prohibited items such as foreign parboiled rice valued at N387 million, a commodity whose illegal importation undermines local rice production and poses a threat to food security. The customs officers also confiscated 2,725 parcels of cannabis sativa with an estimated street value of N218 million, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking. Furthermore, 397 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, worth N1.5 million, were seized. This seizure highlights the persistent challenge of fuel smuggling, which contributes to artificial scarcity and price hikes within the country.
The seizures extended to other categories of contraband, including 118 cartons of frozen poultry products worth N2.8 million, a clear violation of import restrictions aimed at protecting the local poultry industry. Also intercepted were 105 bales of second-hand clothing valued at N12.6 million, a trade that undermines the local textile industry and poses potential health risks. In addition, the customs officers impounded 21 units of tokunbo vehicles (used vehicles) worth N561 million, likely imported without proper documentation or in violation of import regulations.
The discovery of the donkey skins is particularly disturbing, raising concerns about the rampant illegal trade in endangered species. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) strictly prohibits trade in vulnerable species like donkeys. The sheer scale of this seizure, involving over 4,000 donkey skins, indicates a significant threat to the donkey population and a blatant disregard for international conservation efforts. The customs authorities have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the individuals behind this illegal operation.
The success recorded by the FOU Zone A is attributed to the diligence and unwavering commitment of the customs officers, particularly the officer in charge of the export team who resisted attempts to compromise the process. The customs authorities acknowledged the critical role of intelligence gathering, document profiling, and inter-agency collaboration in achieving these remarkable results. The seized cannabis sativa will be handed over to the appropriate government agency for further investigation and prosecution of the individuals involved. Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the various seized items, including the cannabis sativa. Some of the suspects have been granted administrative bail pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Beyond the seizure of contraband goods, the customs command also recovered N60.9 million in revenue through the meticulous examination of import documents and the issuance of demand notices for irregularities detected. This underscores the dual role of the customs service in both preventing illegal trade and enhancing revenue generation for the government. The command’s intelligence network, coupled with the collaborative efforts of other security agencies, has played a vital role in the success of the anti-smuggling operations. The Nigeria Customs Service has reiterated its unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and protecting the nation’s borders from illicit activities. The agency continues to call on the public to support its efforts by providing valuable information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of smugglers.
