Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, says it has recorded seizures with a duty paid value exceeding N6 billion within a short period, as the unit ramps up anti-smuggling operations across the South-West corridor.
Controller of the unit disclosed that the impressive results were driven by the zero-tolerance anti-smuggling policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, backed by stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved coordination and a motivated workforce.
According to him, the achievements recorded so far represent only the beginning, warning that smugglers would continue to face heavy losses through seizures, arrests and sustained enforcement actions.
He said the unit had reinvigorated round-the-clock patrols and intelligence-driven operations to deny smugglers any safe haven.
Giving an overview of first quarter 2026 operations, the controller said the unit deliberately targeted the supply chain of illicit drugs, particularly Cannabis Indica, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” which he described as increasingly prevalent along the South-West corridor.
He added that the unit also intercepted environmentally harmful items such as ozone-depleting substances, including refrigerator compressors, as part of efforts to protect public health and the environment.
The controller further revealed that smuggled vehicles remained a major focus, with several seizures made after such vehicles allegedly evaded checks along border routes.
He noted that food security enforcement also featured prominently during the period, with seizures of rice, vegetable oil and other prohibited imports aimed at supporting the Federal Government’s economic and agricultural policies.
On collaboration with sister agencies such as NAFDAC, NDLEA and others, he said partnerships remained central to the unit’s strategy.
“We have a robust relationship with all strategic stakeholders to upscale efforts at securing the border corridors,” he said.
The controller also attributed the absence of complaints about obstruction of legitimate trade to reforms centred on compliance management, reputation management and change management.
He explained that officers had undergone internal reorientation and capacity-building programmes designed to improve professionalism and trade facilitation.
According to him, the unit is also implementing situational awareness programmes to sharpen officers’ operational readiness and service delivery.
Speaking on risks associated with anti-smuggling operations, the controller acknowledged the recent loss of an officer in the line of duty, describing it as a painful reminder of the dangers personnel face daily.
He, however, assured that the unit remained resolute despite the setback.
“Smuggling is hydra-headed. It appears in different forms when least expected, but we are not relenting,” he said.
On relations with border communities and port users, he said stakeholder engagement had become a key strategy in gaining local support and improving public understanding of government fiscal policies.
He also disclosed that the unit had continued revenue recovery efforts by detecting underpayments and other infractions that generated additional income for the Federal Government.
The controller expressed optimism that the newly commissioned FOU Zone A headquarters in Ogun State would significantly boost operations.
He described the facility as the first purpose-built operational base of its kind in the history of the service, adding that it would improve efficiency while serving as a morale booster for officers and men.
He identified the greatest operational challenge as the vast area under the unit’s jurisdiction, covering over 76,000 square kilometres of landmass and an extensive coastline.
According to him, deployment of advanced tools such as GPS-enabled drones, geospatial technology and satellite imaging would greatly enhance border surveillance and enforcement.
He added that the Customs high command was already addressing those needs as part of broader reforms to modernise operations and strengthen border security.
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