The newly appointed Area Controller of the Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone ‘A’, of the Nigeria Customs Service NCS, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu has intensified intelligence-led enforcement strategy, leading to the seizure of illicit drugs, including Cannabis Sativa, also called Indian Hemp and Tramadol, as well as other contraband items worth over ₦1.5 billion.

Comptroller Shuaibu assumed duty on April 23, 2025, and immediately hit the ground running. Addressing newsmen during his maiden press briefing at the FOU ‘A’ headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, Friday, May 16, 2025, he disclosed that these spectacular seizures were made possible through credible intelligence and swift tactical action by his officers.

“Our renewed efforts have significantly bolstered our strategies to secure Nigeria’s Southwestern states’ borders against economic saboteurs. Within three weeks, this unit has inflicted substantial losses on these non-state actors through the interception of numerous illegal goods”, Shuaibu stated.

Notable among the seizures are 246 kilogrammess of Cannabis Sativa, 82 packs of Tramadol, with 10 sachets per pack, 290 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit PMS, 15 illegally imported foreign used vehicles, 4,085 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, 12 bales, and four sacks of used clothing materials.

He also revealed that four suspects were arrested concerning the various seizures, which have a Duty-Paid Value DPV of ₦1.51billion.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its efforts to combat smuggling, counterfeit products, and other illicit trade. These achievements testify to our unwavering dedication to protecting our economy and citizens. We will continue to collaborate with sister security agencies and border communities to dismantle the networks engaged in illicit activities”, he affirmed.

On revenue generation, Comptroller Shuaibu further disclosed that the unit recovered ₦20,792,372.99 through demand notices and auction sales of seized perishable goods.

In line with inter-agency cooperation, the seized Cannabis Sativa and Tramadol capsules were officially handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, and the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and C Control NAFDAC, respectively, for further investigation and prosecution.

Receiving the cannabis on behalf of the NDLEA, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Abdul Maiyaki commended the collaboration between the two agencies and assured that thorough investigations would be conducted to identify and apprehend those responsible.