Customs seize N3.3 billion contraband, intercept artificial hashish in Lagos

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized artificial hashish and different contraband value N3.3 billion in Lagos.

The seizures had been disclosed by the Customs Space Controller, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, throughout a press briefing, based on the Information Company of Nigeria (NAN).

The event follows a six-week intelligence-led operation throughout the Lagos metropolis, marking a shift from routine checkpoints to focused enforcement aimed toward disrupting smuggling networks.

The command stated the renewed technique has resulted in a number of arrests, massive volumes of illicit items intercepted, and improved commerce compliance enforcement, even because it recorded the lack of an officer throughout one of many operations.

What they’re saying

Aliyu stated the command arrested eight suspects, together with a feminine linked to the hashish seizure, whereas additionally recording a fatality throughout enforcement operations.

• “The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 6,954 luggage of overseas parboiled rice and intercepted 1,431 kg of hashish and different seizures valued at N3.3 billion.”
• “The Customs Space Controller of the Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, made the disclosure at a information convention in Lagos on Tuesday.”
• “The command additionally apprehended eight suspects together with the seizure, together with a feminine suspect linked to the hashish, whereas an officer who led the interception was misplaced on Tuesday, February 3.”

The comptroller stated the incident involving the deceased officer had been formally reported to the Customs excessive command, including that the unit recorded a complete of 144 seizures since he resumed responsibility in late December.

What this implies

The seizures spotlight the size and variety of smuggling actions being routed via Lagos and the influence of intelligence-driven enforcement.

• Gadgets intercepted included 6,954 luggage of overseas parboiled rice, equal to about 12 trailer masses, overseas sugar, used autos, vegetable oil, premium motor spirit (PMS), used clothes, and a 20-foot container of stone-coated aluminium roofing sheets.
• Officers additionally intercepted 3,029 parcels of artificial hashish weighing about 1,431 kilograms, which Aliyu described as a significant disruption of felony provide networks fueling insecurity.
• The unit rescued 4 reside pangolins and handed them over to wildlife authorities, whereas 581 used fridge compressors had been seized on account of environmental and public well being dangers.

Between December 10, 2025, and February 2, 2026, the command recovered N36.89 million via demand notices issued for cargo misdeclaration and commerce compliance breaches.

Aliyu attributed the outcomes to focused patrols, stronger supervision, and a transfer away from predictable checkpoints, reaffirming the NCS dedication to combating smuggling, trans-border crimes, and financial sabotage.

Flashback

The newest seizures add to a rising checklist of high-profile drug interceptions by the Nigeria Customs Service at Lagos ports in latest months.

Customs has constantly stated these interceptions replicate strengthened collaboration with the NDLEA and different safety companies to disrupt narcotics trafficking via Nigeria’s maritime corridors.

What you need to know

Past enforcement, the Nigeria Customs Service has launched coverage measures aimed toward commerce facilitation and regulatory compliance.

• The NCS earlier introduced a duty-free clearance coverage for imported items valued at $300 or much less, efficient September 8, 2025, beneath a brand new De Minimis framework.
• The coverage applies to low-value consignments, e-commerce shipments, and passenger baggage, with the purpose of simplifying customs procedures and dashing up clearance.
• In January 2026, the service additionally commenced the implementation of a brand new Customary Working Process regulating courier corporations working beneath the Delivered Responsibility Paid (DDP) Incoterm.

Below the brand new SOP, courier corporations looking for to function beneath the DDP regime are required to acquire a licence from the NCS Headquarters Licence and Allow Unit inside the Tariff and Commerce Division, reinforcing oversight in Nigeria’s fast-growing logistics and e-commerce area.