The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, has intercepted contraband worth ₦6.19 billion, including 3.4 tonnes of cannabis, 23,220 machetes and other prohibited goods.
The Acting Comptroller of the Unit, Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Tuesday during his maiden press briefing in Lagos.
Afeni said the seizures followed four weeks of intensified enforcement operations targeting smuggling networks. The operations recorded 195 interceptions involving prohibited and restricted items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦6,194,695,947.05.
He said the exercise was aimed at protecting the economy, preventing the circulation of dangerous goods and addressing security concerns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Customs Intercepts Cannabis, Weapons and Other Contraband
Among the major seizures were 5,986 parcels of cannabis weighing 3,407.83 kilogrammes, 23,220 new machetes, 1,250 cartridges of Red Star 12-calibre ammunition, 400 grammes of cocaine and 100 grammes of methamphetamine.
Customs officers also intercepted eight live pangolins, 21 foreign-used vehicles, 3,028 bags of imported rice weighing 50kg each, 6,949 cartons of spaghetti and 173 cartons of imported frozen poultry products.
Other seized items included 1,236 used tyres, 459 bales and 39 jumbo sacks of second-hand clothing, as well as 8,025 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The Unit also intercepted 57 cartons, 37 packs and six pieces of codeine syrup.
Additional seizures comprised 250 cartons of Lotus sardines without NAFDAC registration numbers, 101 bags of imported sugar, eight bags of powdered milk, 12 bags of grain oat products and 20 cartons of couscous.
Customs officers further intercepted a 40-foot container carrying 2,760 office chairs in completely knocked-down form.
Customs Raises Alarm Over Machetes Ahead of 2027 Elections
Afeni expressed particular concern over the interception of 23,220 new machetes, saying the items could potentially be diverted for criminal activities and election-related violence.
He said the machetes were being smuggled into Nigeria without the required certificates and permits.
“The 23,220 pieces of new matchets being smuggled into the country without requisite certificates and permits could easily be deployed towards disrupting peaceful elections in a couple of months,” Afeni said.
He warned that smuggling could contribute to insecurity when prohibited items find their way into the hands of criminal groups.
According to him, election violence is often supported by activities that facilitate the movement of dangerous materials.
Customs Says Cannabis Seizure Will Protect Young Nigerians
The Acting Comptroller also raised concerns about the quantity of cannabis intercepted, describing it as a threat to public health and the wellbeing of young Nigerians.
He referenced the 2025 World Drug Report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which identifies cannabis as the most widely available and used drug globally.
Afeni said the seizure would help reduce the availability of the substance and disrupt the illegal proceeds generated through its sale.
He added that the consequences of drug abuse extend beyond individual users, affecting families, communities and the healthcare system.
“The volume of Cannabis on display is of grave concern,” he said, adding that increasingly potent cannabis varieties could negatively affect young people and their future prospects.
Customs Recovers ₦683.66m in Additional Revenue
Beyond the seizures, the Federal Operations Unit recovered ₦683.66 million in additional revenue through compliance checks and the detection of irregularities in import declarations.
Afeni said the Unit recovered ₦683,661,304.05 between September 30, 2026, and the date of the briefing.
The recovery followed the correction of under-valued import declarations and the issuance of demand notices to importers.
He attributed the revenue recovery to improved risk profiling, stricter compliance checks, targeted examination of suspicious declarations and collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders.
Afeni assured importers and licensed Customs agents that the Unit would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while enforcing the law against fraudulent practices.
“We will facilitate compliant trade, but we will not tolerate attempts to evade duties, falsify declarations, or undermine national security,” he said.
Customs Strengthens Collaboration With Security Agencies
Afeni said the Unit had strengthened its cooperation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Army and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
He said the partnerships would support intelligence sharing, joint operations, capacity building and coordinated enforcement.
According to him, seized narcotics and suspects would be handed over to the NDLEA for investigation and prosecution, while other prohibited items would be transferred to the appropriate agencies in line with their responsibilities.
The Customs chief urged Nigerians to support the fight against smuggling by reporting suspicious activities and promoting lawful trade.
He warned smugglers and their collaborators that the Unit would continue to disrupt their networks and ensure that offenders faced the consequences of their actions.
“Smuggling thrives where it is tolerated, protected, or ignored. Every citizen has a role to play by reporting suspicious activities, and supporting lawful trade,” Afeni said.
He added that the Unit would remain vigilant in protecting the economy, local industries and public safety.
“We will continue to disrupt your networks, intercept your consignments, and ensure that the full weight of the law is applied where appropriate,” he said.
