The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit FOU, Zone C, Owerri, has announced a significant enforcement success following the interception of a large consignment of various brands of foreign-smuggled vegetable oil worth nearly N500million.

According to the Controller in charge of the Unit, Comptroller Bashir Balogun, the seizure was made possible by a combination of strategic intelligence coordination and coordinated operational activity by officers of the Unit.

Details of the seized items include 3,310 jerry cans (kegs) of 25-litre Super Delicious brand of vegetable oil, 10 jerry cans (kegs) of 10-litre Super Delicious vegetable oil, 20 cartons of five-litre sunflower brand of vegetable oil and 20 cartons of three-litre sunflower vegetable oil-all with a Duty Paid Value DPV of N403. 5million (Four hundred and three million, four hundred and ninety-one thousand naira) only.

Comptroller Balogun said: “Our operatives intercepted two (2) trucks carrying the consignment at about 2200hrs on May 9, 2026 along the 9th Mile in Enugu and another one along Onisha- Agbor Highway on June 7, 2026 following credible intelligence.

The Duty Paid Value DPV, of the seized items is Four hundred and three million, four hundred and ninety-one thousand naira only (N403,491,000.00).

These seizures represent a major blow to the economic saboteurs, whose illegal importation of foreign vegetable oil undermines local industry, technology transfer, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. Let me emphasise that the operation demonstrates the Service’s firm commitment to enforcing the NCS Act 2022 (as amended) and the Federal Government’s fiscal and protective measures that prohibit the importation of foreign vegetable oil.”

He however urged those engaged in smuggling activities and related criminal networks to cease in their activities. He further warned that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to protect public health, national security, and the domestic economy.

The Comptroller also assured that the seized jerry cans and cartons of the oil will remain in custody of the Service as investigations continue and appropriate legal processes begin.

He commended the operatives of the Unit for their focus and vigilance towards securing the country’s economy. Comptroller Balugun also expressed a deep gratitude to the Comptroller General of the Service and his Management team for providing the required enabling environment for the officers to do their job without which the seizures would not have been possible.