Customs FOU “A” Bounces Back with Enforcement Operations
… As Comptroller Shuaibu Hits the Ground Running with N1.5B Seizure in 3 Weeks
Comptroller MS Shuaibu addressing the media at the press briefing
After one year of near dearth of enforcement momentum at the Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the nation’s apex customs enforcement arm of the service, operations at the unit have once again come alive to its usual blistering, with a new Customs Sheriff, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, a renowned Anti-Smuggling maestro in charge.
Without much ado, Comptroller Shuaibu now wields the leadership baton in a familiar enforcement turf as the new Controller in Charge of the Unit, having served in several capacities.
Comptroller MS Shuaibu, Controller In Charge of Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, NCS
A result-oriented Comptroller MS Shuaibu who took charge of the Unit precisely on April 23, 2025, after a brief delay from the erstwhile Controller for obvious reasons, immediately swung into action to hit the ground running, baring his enforcement expertise and robust managerial skills.
As a result of this, in less than three weeks of his assumption of office, the unit under his watch recorded several assorted uncustomed goods worth over One Hundred and Fifty Billion Naira only.
Showcasing the seized Rice at Government Warehouse in Ikeja
Disclosing this at his maiden press briefing earlier today, Friday 16, 2025, the highly revered anti-smuggling Czar, who has cut his teeth across various enforcement formations of the service with several accolades up his sleeves, said that he is excited to share the achievements made so far since he took over the leadership of the unit on April 23, 2025.
According to the Controller, the feat is in alignment with the principles of open governance advocated by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the management team.
Talking authoritatively at the briefing, Comptroller MS Shuaibu said, he is committed to leverage his extensive experience to effectively navigate the complexities of the unit, noting that he is proud to report that his leadership have remained true to that commitment.
Analyzing the record made so far within the period under review, Comptroller Shuaibu while disclosing the revenue collection support by the unit, elatedly said that the unit under his watch have successfully made a total sum of twenty million, seven hundred and nine-two thousand, three hundred and seventy-two naira, ninety-nine kobo (N20,792,372.99) only from recoveries for the service.
According to him, the recoveries are made through the issuance of demand notices from irregular importation and auction sales of seized petroleum products, as he explained that the unit generates revenue primarily through the interventions executed by our personnel, issuing demand notices (DN) where shortfalls are identified, and conducting auction sales of seized perishable goods.
Handing over the medicament seizure to NAFDAC Official at the event
He also said, the unit have diligently optimized these revenue streams to ensure accurate recovery of funds.
In the Anti-Smuggling Campaign posture of the unit, which formed her core mandate, Comptroller MS Shuaibu said since his undertaking role, his led management team have initiated a transformation of of the Command’s operational strategies, moving away from traditional stop-and-search methods to more intelligence-driven operations to reduce unnecessary delays.
“I have initiated a transformation of our operational strategies, moving away from traditional stop-and-search methods to more intelligence-driven operations that reduce unnecessary delays,” he said.
Making the disclosure of the seizures recorded by his operatives, the Controller said with significant achievement in the ongoing battle against illicit trade, his team acted on credible intelligence and successfully intercepted and seized Seven (7)X20ft containers filled with various illicit items within the Lagos metropolis.
More revelation through the preliminary investigations, however unfolds the contents of the consignments to include: MSKU 8551954 – Used tyres and vehicle; SYDU 1479614 filled with 50kg foreign parboiled rice: MSKU 7751689, also laden with 50kg each foreign parboiled rice, and yet another MSKU 798700 also with foreign parboiled rice (50kg each).
Cannabis Sativa handover to NDLEA at the event
Other three containers are ZCSU 8845072 with New shoes; ZCSU 7055181 laden with New Clothes, as well as PIDU 4258491 with New bags.
Notable among the seizures are: 4,085 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg which is equivalent to seven (7) trailer loads; 15 illegally imported foreign-used vehicles; 82 packs of Tramadol, with 10 sachets per pack. 246 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa.
Also, the unit recorded 290 jerry cans of premium motor Spirit (PMS); 12 Bales and 4 sacks of used clothing.
“In the same vein, our renewed efforts have significantly bolstered our strategies to secure Nigeria’s southwestern states borders against economic saboteurs.
“Within this short period of three (3) weeks, this unit has inflicted substantial losses on these non-state actors through the interception of numerous illegal goods”, the Controller said.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) placed in the seizure is One billion, Five Hundred and One Million, Three Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-Five Naira (N1,501,312,425.00) only.
Another major highpoint of the seizure exercise revealed by the CAC was the arrest of Four (4) suspects in connection with the various seizures
Exotic vehicles seizure recorded by the unit
Shuaibu however said, Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its efforts to combat smuggling, counterfeit products, and other forms of illicit trade.
“These achievements testify to our unwavering dedication to protecting our economy and citizens.
“We will continue to collaborate with sister security agencies and border communities to dismantle the networks engaged in illicit activities.
Meanwhile, in line with the dictate of the NCS to foster inter-agency collaboration, the FOU ‘A’ Controller handed over the seized 246kg of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), while the tramadol capsules were handed over to the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and prosecution.
He as well encouraged the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illicit trade, while also urging declarants to remain honest in their declarations to avoid unnecessary bottleneck.
In the area of trade facilitation, Comptroller Shuaibu said, in an era characterized by increasing global integration, efficient trade facilitation is vital for unlocking economic potential, creating jobs, and fostering regional integration.
He however said he took the responsibility seriously, noting that the Unit’s intelligence driven operations are designed to create a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive trading environment that will benefit our stakeholders and the public through barrier-free operations, as we intend to collapse all patrol points within Lagos metropolis.
In conclusion, he expressed gratitude to the CGC and the management team for this opportunity once again to serve as comptroller FOU ‘A’, as they remained committed to fulfilling their undertaking responsibilities to the best of their ability.
Also, he commended the Unit’s dedicated officers, urging them to maintain the momentum, as well as the media for their continued support of the service efforts.
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