In just three weeks at the helm, the new Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, Mohammed Shuaibu, has made bold moves against smuggling and revenue leakage, intercepting contraband valued at over N1.5 billion and recovering more than N20.7 million through demand notices and auction sales.
Speaking during his maiden press briefing on Friday at the unit’s headquarters on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Shuaibu said the achievements reflect a shift from routine operations to an intelligence-driven approach aimed at curbing illicit trade and enhancing efficiency.
He disclosed that the unit, acting on credible intelligence, recently intercepted seven 20-foot containers loaded with various smuggled items across Lagos. The seized containers included used tyres, foreign parboiled rice, new shoes, clothes, and bags.
“We are no longer relying on old stop-and-search routines. Our approach is now targeted and strategic,” he said.
In addition to the container seizures, the unit also recorded major busts at the borders of southwestern Nigeria, confiscating:
- 4,085 bags of foreign parboiled rice (about seven trailer loads),
- 15 foreign-used vehicles smuggled into the country,
- 82 packs of Tramadol,
- 246kg of cannabis sativa,
- 290 jerrycans of petrol,
- 12 bales and four sacks of used clothing.
Four suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures, which had a combined Duty Paid Value of N1,501,312,425.00.
On revenue generation, Shuaibu reported that N20,792,372.99 was recovered through demand notices issued on undervalued imports and sales of seized petroleum products.
The Comptroller pledged to continue aligning with the Customs’ overall vision of transparency and accountability, as championed by Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He added that the seized cannabis would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), while the Tramadol would be transferred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Reiterating the agency’s commitment to trade facilitation, Shuaibu said efforts are underway to streamline patrol operations in Lagos, with plans to dismantle internal checkpoints that cause delays.
“We aim to create a barrier-free environment where honest traders can operate without fear of harassment. However, we won’t hesitate to deal with those who try to cheat the system,” he warned.
He concluded by thanking officers of the unit for their dedication and called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to smuggling.
The briefing marks Shuaibu’s first formal engagement with the media since assuming office on April 23, 2025.
