How Intelligence driven operations is yielding results at FOU A
…over N1.5 billion seizure made in 3 weeks, says Comptroller Shuaibu
Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu disclosed that the unit transformation of its operational strategies where it moves away from traditional stop-and-search methods to more intelligence-driven operations has led to significant achievement in its ongoing battle against illicit trade in the south west region of Nigeria.
Mohammed, who assumed duty as Comptroller of FOU A on April 23, 2025 explained that the decision has not only led to the reduction of unnecessary delays in it search operation but that the renewed efforts have significantly bolstered the FOU A strategies to secure region’s borders against economic saboteurs.
He said within three weeks of experimenting the new strategies, the Unit’s team, acting on credible intelligence successfully intercepted and seized 7X20ft containers filled with various illicit items within the Lagos metropolis.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed the containers contained used tyres and vehicle, foreign parboiled rice, new shoes, new clothes and new bags.
They included 4,085 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg—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, 290 jerry cans of premium motor spirit (PMS) and 12 Bales and 4 sacks of used clothing.
The FOU A Boss disclosed that “Four (4) suspects were arrested in connection with the various seizures, which have a duty paid value (DPV) of one billion, five hundred and one million, three hundred and twelve thousand, four hundred and twenty-five naira (N1, 501,312,425.00) only.”
He affirmed that “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.”
“In line with the dictate of the NCS to foster inter-agency collaboration, we will be handing over the seized 246kg of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the tramadol capsules will be handed over to the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and prosecution.”
He added that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its efforts to combat smuggling, counterfeit products, and other forms of illicit trade.
Comptroller Shuaibu further said that “In the same vein, our renewed efforts have significantly bolstered our strategies to secure Nigeria’s southwestern states borders against economic saboteurs.
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.”
While soliciting for corporation with Nigerians, the FOU A leader said “We encourage the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illicit trade. I also urged our declarants to remain honest in their declarations to avoid unnecessary bottleneck.”
Also speaking on trade facilitation, he affirmed that “In an era characterized by increasing global integration, efficient trade facilitation is vital for unlocking economic potential, creating jobs, and fostering regional integration. I take this responsibility seriously.”
“Our 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.”
Again, speaking on revenue generation by the unit, he explained that “Our 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.”
“We have diligently optimized these revenue streams to ensure accurate recovery of funds. As of today, we have successfully recovered a total of twenty million, seven hundred and nine-two thousand, three hundred and seventy-two naira, ninety-nine kobo (N20, 792, 372.99) only, through the issuance of demand notices from irregular importation and auction sales of seized petroleum products.”
The new FOU A boss said “I would like to express my gratitude to the CGC and the management team for this opportunity once again to serve as comptroller FOU A. we remain committed to fulfilling our responsibilities to the best of our ability.”
“To our dedicated officers, I commend you and urged you to maintain this momentum. I also extend my appreciation to the media for their continued support of our efforts.”
