Metro

Customs Intercepts N1.7bn Falsely Declared Goods Across South-West Zone

Published

10 months ago

July 20, 2025

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has revealed that it intercepted six trailer loads of 50kg rice, 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp), 7,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, one 40ft container load of used tyres, and other contraband goods worth ₦1.7 billion across the South-West region of the country between 3rd June and 18th July 2025.

Addressing newsmen at the weekend in Lagos, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, explained that a total of nine suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures.

The Customs CG, who was represented by the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs and Coordinator for Operations Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, also added that the Unit recovered a total of ₦95,587,231.47 in underpaid duties within the period under review.

According to the Customs CG, “Distinguished members of the press, esteemed officers and men of the service, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja–Lagos.

“We are gathered here today to provide an update on the Unit’s activities and achievements over the past few weeks, particularly our relentless efforts to dismantle smuggling syndicates, curb illicit trade, and disrupt criminal networks operating within our area of responsibility.

“In the past four weeks, from 3rd June to 18th July 2025, the Unit has sustained a high operational tempo across the South-Western states. Our intelligence-led operations have enabled us to proactively intercept smuggled goods, disrupt illicit supply chains, and strengthen border enforcement.

“During this period, a total of 102 enforcement interventions were recorded, leading to the interception of a wide range of prohibited and smuggled goods. Breakdown of major seizures during this period includes: 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) – equivalent to six trailer loads; 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp); 7,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – in 316 jerry cans of 25 litres each; 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing; 41 sacks and bags of used footwear; 14 units of used (“Tokunbo”) vehicles; 148 pieces of used tyres; 42 used gas cylinders; 31 units of air conditioning systems; and 95 cartons of frozen poultry products.

“Other notable seizures include one 40ft container with container number TRHU 83907321 fully loaded with used tyres; one 20ft container with number ONEU241369 containing medicaments; two 40ft containers with numbers MSKU 4796036 and MAEU 9205708; and one truck with container body conveying used fridges, foreign supermarket items, and used clothes. All the containers were wrongly declared to evade duties.”

On arrests and prosecution, the Customs CG stated that, “A total of nine suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures. While some were granted administrative bail, others have been, or will be, handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

On the value of the seizures, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi explained that, “The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all intercepted items stands at an impressive ₦1,784,432,000.

“The Unit also ensures compliance with import and export regulations. We have continued to scrutinise questionable declarations, correct under-valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where appropriate.

“Between 3rd June and 18th July 2025, the Unit recovered a total of ₦95,587,231.47 in underpaid duties.

“While we maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation. We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth, ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process.”

On its commitment to professionalism and collaboration, the Customs Boss stated that the Federal Operations Unit remains deeply committed to executing its mandate with the utmost professionalism and in strict adherence to extant regulations.

“Our operations are conducted with restraint, respect for human rights, and a commitment to peaceful enforcement.

“To enhance synergy and support for our activities, I have embarked on familiarisation visits to traditional institutions and sister security agencies across the zone. These visits aim to deepen collaboration in our collective effort to combat trans-border crimes and enhance national security.

“The milestones we’ve recorded are a testament to the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring national security.”
(TRIBUNE)

Metro

Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday said two suspected cultists were arrested in Ohonre community, off Adolor College Road, Benin.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, and made available to newsmen electrically.

Ikoedem said the arrest was possible due to operatives response to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

The statement reads: “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the swift disruption of a suspected cultists’ gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City.

“On 21st May, 2026, at about 19:00hrs, operatives attached to Ugbowo Division who were on surveillance patrol responded to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

“Acting promptly on the information, the police team mobilized to the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in an attempt to evade arrest. The operatives immediately gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Victor Peter ‘M’, 21 years and Iyemoma Ogbewe ‘M’, 35 years.

“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun believed to have been in their possession for unlawful purposes.

“Upon investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing gang members.”

She said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s resolve to deny criminal elements any opportunity within Edo State.

He further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring that all reports would receive prompt attention.

Metro

Troops Eliminate Two Terrorists, Foil Pipeline Attack

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Army says troops have, in the last 24 hours, eliminated two terrorists, rescued four kidnapped victims and foiled pipeline attacks in a series of coordinated military operations across Taraba, Kogi and Rivers.

This is contained in operational updates issued to reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the reports, troops of 93 Battalion deployed at Akate in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba engaged suspected terrorists in a forested area, killing two of them.

According to the report, items recovered from the scene include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones and other personal effects.

In Kogi, it said the troops of 21 Battalion, in collaboration with vigilantes, rescued four kidnapped passengers along the Anyigba–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area.

It added that the victims were reportedly abandoned by their captors while attempting to cross a seasonal stream due to sustained pressure from advancing troops.

According to the military, efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims still in captivity.

The report said that troops of 12 Brigade successfully repelled an ambush along Kabba–Okene road while withdrawing from an earlier operation, forcing the assailants to flee with gunshot wounds.

“Meanwhile, in Rivers, troops of 5 Battalion acting on credible intelligence, foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to detonate a crude oil pipeline in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

“The swift response of the troops disrupted the operation before it could be executed, with the suspects fleeing the scene,” it said.

Metro

Police Arrest Private Chef Over Alleged N150m Theft, Drugging Of Employer, Burglary

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in a burglary operation at a residence in Abuja, where luxury items and valuables worth about N150 million were reportedly stolen.

The arrest was announced on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, who said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) after investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage and administering harmful substances.

According to police findings, Govi, who allegedly gained employment as a chef at the residence, was said to have studied the movement of occupants, internal routine and security setup before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.

Investigators said he reportedly worked with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.

Police alleged that food prepared in the house was laced with a suspected sedative substance to weaken the occupants and security personnel.

After they reportedly became unconscious, the suspects allegedly broke into the property, damaged CCTV installations and stole 20 luxury wristwatches valued at about N150 million, alongside other valuables.

Speaking on the development, DCP Anthony Placid said the suspect was intercepted around the Gwagwalada axis of the Federal Capital Territory while attempting to flee to Lagos. He added that an iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to belong to the victim, and a suspected chemical substance were recovered.

“We remain committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all fleeing accomplices are brought to justice,” Placid said.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and conclude investigations into the case.