The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri, has announced the interception of contraband goods worth N1 billion in duty-paid value between March 20, 2025, and the present date.
This was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, Bashir Balogun, on Thursday while displaying the seized items to journalists in Owerri
In addition to the seizure, the unit also generated N13.4 million in recovered revenue through demand notices within the review period.
“A systematic crackdown has given birth to the apprehension of illicit goods with a duty-paid value of N1bn within one month,” Balogun stated.
Among the intercepted items were 725 bales of second-hand clothing, 2,762 rolls of satin fabric, 2,589 used tires, and 233 sacks of foreign rice. Other items included 25 bales of cannabis sativa, 80 jerrycans of petrol, 78 jerrycans of crude oil, 181 rolls of wall covering, diesel bottles, wine, used shoes, and multiple trucks.
Balogun emphasized that smuggling is a form of economic sabotage that threatens local industries and the overall well-being of the populace. He credited the command’s success to a mix of intelligence-driven operations, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the national economy.
“We are focused on blocking revenue leakages, facilitating trade, and securing our entry points. This is our statutory duty,” he affirmed.
The Customs boss vowed to maintain pressure on smugglers and urged traders and stakeholders to comply with trade laws. He also revealed that the seized cannabis sativa would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in line with inter-agency collaboration.
Balogun reiterated the command’s resolve to sanitize the zone, prevent illegal activities, and support the administration of President Bola Tinubu and Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi in their reform agenda.
“Our focus remains on consolidation, stakeholder engagement, and deploying innovative strategies for effective customs operations,” he added.
