Customs Tightens Noose on Smugglers, Seizes Contraband Worth ₦273.7 Million in Cross River and Akwa Ibom

By Tunde Umar-Daniah

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its nationwide campaign against smuggling and economic sabotage with the interception of prohibited goods valued at more than ₦273.7 million across Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

The seizures were unveiled during a press briefing in Calabar by the Customs Area Controller of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command, Comptroller Momodu Dauda, who reaffirmed the Service's commitment to safeguarding the nation's economy, supporting local industries, and enforcing compliance with Nigeria's trade regulations.

Accompanied by senior officers of the command and key stakeholders, Comptroller Dauda later conducted an inspection of the seized items, which were displayed for the media and the public.

Among the contraband intercepted during recent anti-smuggling operations were 1,996 kegs of foreign refined vegetable oil concealed in two 20-foot containers, 1,500 imported used tyres, 105 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing, and 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). According to Customs authorities, all the items fall under the Federal Government's import prohibition list and were seized at various locations within the command's operational jurisdiction.

The Customs Area Controller disclosed that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items stands at ₦273,676,021, describing the development as a major breakthrough in the ongoing war against smuggling.

"The interception is a clear reflection of the commitment of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command to protecting the national economy, supporting local industries, and preventing the unlawful importation of prohibited goods into the country," Dauda stated.

He emphasized that the illegal importation of banned products undermines domestic industries, hampers economic growth, and violates established trade regulations.

"For this reason, the Nigeria Customs Service remains fully committed to ensuring strict compliance with government trade policies and safeguarding our borders," he added.

The Comptroller warned smugglers and economic saboteurs to abandon their illicit activities, stressing that the Service would continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations and advanced enforcement strategies to combat illegal trade and protect national interests.

He also called on members of the public to support Customs operations by providing timely and credible information that could assist in curbing smuggling activities.

During the briefing, Comptroller Dauda commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for what he described as purposeful leadership, strategic direction, and unwavering commitment to professionalism and intelligence-led enforcement.

According to him, the reform-driven administration of the Comptroller-General has significantly strengthened the Service's operational capabilities, enhanced trade facilitation, and improved enforcement efficiency across commands nationwide.

"I wish to acknowledge the purposeful leadership, strategic direction, and continuous operational support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniy, MFR PhD dsm fnipr Psc (+)i. His reform-driven administration continues to strengthen our enforcement capabilities, intelligence-led operations, and professionalism across all commands of the Service," he said.

Additional Seizures and Fuel Smuggling Crackdown

The Customs boss further disclosed that officers of the command recently intercepted 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with a Duty Paid Value of ₦1.152 million, bringing the cumulative volume of seized fuel products by the command this year to approximately 5,760 litres.

In line with established safety protocols and considering the highly combustible nature of the product, the seized fuel was promptly disposed of in accordance with approved procedures.

Commitment to Economic Growth and National Security

Reaffirming the command's dedication to its core mandate, Comptroller Daouda assured Nigerians that the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command would remain steadfast in suppressing smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, and contributing to national economic development.

"Let me assure you that the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command remains resolute and unwavering in suppressing smuggling, facilitating trade, protecting national security, and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria's economic growth and development," he stated.

He noted that the seizures were carried out in accordance with the provisions of Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as well as relevant trade regulations governing prohibited imports into the country.

The latest interceptions underscore the Nigeria Customs Service's renewed determination to combat smuggling networks, strengthen border security, and create a more conducive environment for lawful trade and economic prosperity.