Customs seizes cannabis sativa, rice worth N3.3b

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, has intercepted 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 1,431 kilogrammes of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud” and  other prohibited items worth N3.32 billion within Lagos and its environs.

Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, its Area Controller,  Aliyu Gambo, described the seizures as the outcome of a strategic operation anchored on intelligence-led enforcement.

Gambo added that the unit made 144 seizures after reorganising patrol patterns, strengthening internal supervision and shifting from predictable checkpoints to targeted deployments across the Lagos metropolis.

According to him, the seizures included 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 12 trailer loads), 77 bags of foreign sugar, 21 units of used vehicles, 3,362 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil, 20,700 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 915 bales of used clothing and a 20-foot container loaded with stone-coated aluminium roofing sheets.

In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Gambo revealed that officers intercepted 3,029 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing about 1,431kg, describing the operation as a significant disruption of criminal supply networks fueling insecurity in the country.

“These seizures occurred against the backdrop of rising banditry, terrorism and other social vices threatening national stability. Drug trafficking fuels these crimes by providing chemical stimulants that embolden perpetrators and erode social order,” he said.

He disclosed that the command lost one of its officers in the line of duty on Tuesday, noting that the development had been formally communicated to the Customs high command.

The Comptroller also announced notable environmental and wildlife-related interceptions, including four live pangolins rescued along Alapa Creek, Ajilete, and handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre.

Similarly, the unit seized 581 used refrigerator compressors concealed in a vehicle, which Aliyu said posed serious environmental and public health risks due to hazardous substances and greenhouse gas emissions.

He explained that the seizure aligned with Section 55(1)(d) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the Basel Convention, both of which regulate trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste.

Aliyu said eight suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and are currently under investigation.

In line with inter-agency collaboration, he disclosed that the seized cannabis would be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

Beyond enforcement, Gambo said the unit recovered N36.89 million between December 10, 2025 and date through demand notices issued over cargo misdeclaration and other import-export compliance breaches.

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He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to combating smuggling, trans-border crimes and economic sabotage, while facilitating legitimate trade through professionalism, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies and border communities.

He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve, and urged officers of the unit to sustain the momentum in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy, environment and national security.