The Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri, achieved a significant victory against smuggling, intercepting contraband goods worth an estimated N1 billion (approximately US$2.17 million at the official exchange rate) in a single month. This operation, spearheaded by Customs Area Controller Bashir Balogun, ran from March 20, 2025, and targeted a wide range of illicit goods, demonstrating the unit’s commitment to curbing economic sabotage and protecting local industries. The seized items, showcased to journalists in Owerri, underscore the persistent challenge of smuggling in Nigeria and the robust efforts by customs officials to counter it. Beyond the seizure of contraband, the operation also generated N13.4 million in revenue from demand notices, highlighting the financial implications of smuggling and the potential for recovery through effective enforcement.
The range of seized goods reflects the diverse nature of smuggling activities. The haul included 725 bales of used clothing and 2,762 rolls of satin fabric, likely intended for resale in local markets, competing with domestically produced textiles. A substantial quantity of 2,589 used tires was also seized, posing safety risks and undercutting the market for new tires. Food items like 233 sacks and 14 additional bags of foreign rice, intended to bypass import regulations and potentially harm local farmers, were also intercepted. Furthermore, the seizure of petroleum products, including 102 bottles and 24 larger bottles of diesel, along with 80 jerrycans of premium motor spirit (petrol) and 78 jerrycans of crude oil, suggests potential fuel smuggling activities, which could have significant economic and environmental consequences.
Beyond these common smuggled items, the operation uncovered more illicit goods, including 181 rolls of wall covering, 32 new tires, one sack of used shoes, and three cartons of red wine. Significantly, 25 bales of cannabis sativa were also confiscated, demonstrating the connection between smuggling networks and the drug trade. This discovery underscores the broader security implications of smuggling and the need for inter-agency collaboration. The seized cannabis was subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
The logistical aspect of smuggling was also addressed, with the seizure of several vehicles used in transporting the illicit goods. These included one Scania truck, one Mercedes truck, and two Mack trucks, likely employed to move large quantities of contraband across borders or within the country. Additionally, two empty 50-foot containers were seized, potentially intended for future smuggling operations. The confiscation of these vehicles and containers disrupts the logistical networks that facilitate smuggling, hindering future illicit activities.
Controller Balogun attributed the success of the operation to several factors, including proactive anti-smuggling measures, intelligence-driven strategies, the dedication and professionalism of the officers involved, and a strong focus on revenue recovery. He emphasized that the unit’s commitment to blocking revenue leakages, enforcing trade facilitation, and securing the nation’s entry points played a crucial role in the operation’s success. He commended his team for their diligence and commitment to contributing to the national economy.
This successful operation sends a strong message to smugglers and their patrons that the Nigeria Customs Service will not tolerate illegal activities. Balogun reiterated the unit’s commitment to carrying out its statutory functions and vowed to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, in their efforts to improve the country’s economic and security situation. He also called on traders and stakeholders to comply with customs regulations, emphasizing that officers are professionally trained to identify and counter non-compliant behavior. Balogun stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration, citing the handover of the seized cannabis to the NDLEA as an example. He also highlighted the unit’s determination to sanitize Zone C of all forms of illegal activities while facilitating legitimate trade. Finally, he reiterated the service’s commitment to building on its successes, engaging with stakeholders, and implementing innovative ideas to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations.
