In a major crackdown on illegal imports, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a staggering array of prohibited goods valued at over ₦3.6 billion in Ogun State.
The seizures, made by the Customs’ Federal Operations Unit Zone A in Ikeja, included 150 cartons of bulletproof jackets worth ₦1.687 billion, as well as large quantities of cannabis sativa and expired drugs.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, the Customs Area Controller, Kola Oladeji, said the contraband items were intercepted along the Ijebu-Ode-Sagamu Expressway.
“Each carton contains 10 packs of the jackets,” Oladeji explained, adding that the importation of military wares by individuals is absolutely prohibited under the Customs Common External Tariff.
The Customs boss stated that the unit also seized 989 kilograms of cannabis sativa and 5,229 cartons of expired drugs during the period under review. Other items impounded include 343,750 liters of petrol, 7,150 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and 120 bags of sugar.
Oladeji disclosed that four suspects have been arrested in connection with various offenses, such as wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives.
The cumulative duty paid value of the intercepted goods amounts to a staggering ₦3.6 billion, the Customs official revealed. Additionally, the unit recovered ₦62 million as revenue for June 2024 through documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices.
Oladeji urged Nigerians to provide the Customs with timely information that could lead to the arrest of those involved in the illegal importation of military wares, illicit drugs, and counterfeit goods.
“Importers and licensed agents are also urged to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their goods,” he said.
The latest seizures underscore the Customs’ unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting citizens from the influx of prohibited and potentially harmful items.
