Customs intercepts 1,996 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil, other prohibited goods

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, has intercepted prohibited imported goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N273.6 million as part of its ongoing anti-smuggling operations.

The Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Momodu Dauda, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Calabar, describing the seizures as a significant breakthrough in the fight against smuggling and economic sabotage.

According to him, the largest seizure was recorded on June 14, 2026, when Customs operatives intercepted a truck carrying two 20-foot containers loaded with foreign refined vegetable oil along the Odukpani-Calabar Highway.

A thorough examination of the containers revealed 1,996 kegs of imported refined vegetable oil, each containing 25 litres, with a Duty Paid Value of N195.4 million.

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Dauda further disclosed that the Command also seized 1,500 imported used tyres of various brands valued at N61.3 million, as well as 105 jumbo-sized rolls of second-hand clothing with a DPV of N15.6 million.

In a separate operation conducted earlier on Wednesday, Customs officers intercepted 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N1.15 million.

The Area Controller noted that the latest seizure brings the total volume of smuggled PMS intercepted by the Command this year to approximately 5,760 litres.

He explained that the seized fuel had already been disposed of in line with safety protocols due to its highly combustible nature.

Dauda stated that the seized items fall under the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List and are therefore not eligible for importation into Nigeria.

He said the interceptions were carried out in accordance with Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and other relevant trade regulations governing prohibited imports.

According to him, the restrictions are aimed at protecting public health, preserving environmental standards, encouraging domestic industrial growth and shielding local manufacturers from unfair competition.

“The total Duty Paid Value of all the seized items stands at N273,676,021,” he said.

The Customs boss described the seizures as a reflection of the Command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy, supporting local industries and preventing the unlawful importation of prohibited goods.

He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for providing strategic leadership and operational support that continue to strengthen intelligence-driven enforcement operations across the Service.

Dauda warned smugglers and economic saboteurs to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations to curb illicit trade.

He urged members of the public to support Customs by providing timely and credible information that would assist in safeguarding the nation’s economy and promoting legitimate trade.

The Area Controller reiterated the Command’s resolve to suppress smuggling, facilitate lawful trade, strengthen national security and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.