FOU ‘A’ Intelligence Driven Operations Hits Smugglers Hard, as Shuaibu Showcases Phenomenal Seizure Feats Worth N1.7Bn

FOU ‘A’ Intelligence Driven Operations Hits Smugglers Hard, as Shuaibu Showcases Phenomenal Seizure Feats Worth N1.7Bn

It was four weeks period of intensive and thorough crack down on activities of smugglers and economic saboteurs operating within the south west zone of the nation, as the foremost Anti-Smuggling Arm of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ in a show of force recorded humongous enforcement feat worth over One Billion, Seven Hundred Thousand (1.7bn).

While showcasing the seizures on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, Assistant Comptroller of Customs (ACG) HK Ejibunu, yesterday on Friday July 18, 2025 at Ikeja Training College, praised the efforts of Comptroller MS Shuaibu, the Controller in Charge of the Unit whom he described as a ‘No-Nonsense Officer’, under whose watch the achievement were recorded.

ACG HK Ejibunu addressing journalists at the event

The ACG, who is the National Coordinator in Charge of Operations Whirlwind Force, and whose duty is to nip in the bud cross border PMS smuggling across the nation, also disclosed that the Zone ‘A’ Operations Whirlwind unit recorded Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) seizure worth over N58.3million in the span of three (3) weeks

Comptroller MS Shuaibu, Controller FOU ‘A’, at the event

In a press briefing statement signed by Comptroller MS Shuaibu, Controller of Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, which provided an update on the Unit’s activities and achievements over the past few weeks, particularly showcased the relentless efforts of its operatives to dismantle smuggling syndicates, curb illicit trade, and disrupt criminal networks operating within its area of responsibility.

The operational overview of the FOU Zone ‘A’ Unit in the past four weeks (from June 3rd to July 18th, 2025), shows that the Unit sustained a very high intelligence driven operational tempo across the southwestern states, that enabled it’s operatives to proactively intercept smuggled goods, disrupt illicit supply chains, and strengthen border enforcement.

Handing over of seized Cannabis Sativa

The statement said that during the above period, a total of 102 enforcement interventions were recorded, leading to the interception of a wide range of prohibited and smuggled goods.

The summary breakdown of major seizures recorded included: 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), an equivalent to 6 trailer loads; 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp); 7,900 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in 316 jerry cans of 25 liters each; 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing; 41 sacks and bags of used footwear, and 14 units of used (“Tokunbo”) vehicles.

Rice Seizure

Others are 148 pieces of used tyres; 42 used gas cylinders; 31 units of air conditioning systems; and 95 cartons of frozen poultry products.

However notable container seizures were recorded and they include: 1X40FT container with number TRHU 83907321 fully laden with used tyres, 1X20FT with container number ONEU241369 containing medicaments.

Similarly, 2X40FT with containers numbers MSKU 4796036, MAEU 9205708, and one truck with container body conveying used fridges, foreign supermarket items and used clothes were all nipped in the period under review.

The statement also said that all the containers were wrongly declared to invade duties.

Comptroller Shuaibu through the statement also revealed that a total of Nine (9) arrests and prosecution were made in connection with the seizures, noting that some were granted administrative bail, while others have been, or will be, handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.

In evaluating the seizures made, the statement puts the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all intercepted items at an impressive 1,784,432,000 (one billion, Seven Hundred and eighty four million four hundred and thirty two thousand Naira).

The FOU ‘A’ statement said the, “Federal Operations Unit remains deeply committed to executing its mandate with the utmost professionalism and in strict adherence to extant regulations.

“Our operations are conducted with restraint, respect for human rights, and a commitment to peaceful enforcement.

“To enhance synergy and support for our activities, I have embarked on familiarization visits to traditional institutions and sister security agencies across the zone. These visits aim to deepen collaboration in our collective effort to combat trans-border crimes and enhance national security”, Shuaibu Statement reads.

The highly elated Comptroller MS Shuaibu also paid tribute to Officers and Men of the unit, as he noted that the achievements would not have been possible without the dedication and courage of gallant officers, who risk their lives daily to secure the nation’s borders and protect the national economy. “Their sacrifices are commendable and deserve public recognition”, he said.

In the mandate of Revenue Recovery through Demand Notices (DN), an addition to its enforcement duties, the unit has as well made an invaluable inroads as it ensured compliance with import and export regulations and making a total recovery of over ₦95.5million in about one month.

“We have continued to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under-valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where appropriate.

PMS Seizure

“Between June 3rd and July 18th, 2025, the Unit recovered a total of ₦95,587,231.47 (Ninety-Five Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty-One Naira, Forty-Seven Kobo) in underpaid duties”, the statement said.

CSC Husseini, PRO FOU ‘A’ and MC of the Occasion in action

In the area of Trade Facilitation, another key role of the service, the Shuaibu led unit said while it maintained vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU ‘A’ remained a strong partner in trade facilitation. “We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process”, he said.

In conclusion, the statement said the milestone feats recorded by the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ are a testament to the Nigerian Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring national security.