The Nigeria Customs Service, Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, says it has intercepted prohibited goods worth over N273.6 million in renewed anti-smuggling operations across the command.
The Independent Mirror reports that the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Momodu Dauda, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday, saying the operation is part of efforts to enforce government fiscal policies and protect the national economy.
“I warmly welcome you all to this press briefing… as we continue to carry out our statutory responsibilities of enforcing government fiscal policies, suppressing smuggling activities and protecting the national economy,” he said.
Dauda said officers intercepted a truck on June 14, 2026 along the Odukpani–Calabar Highway carrying two 20-foot containers loaded with foreign refined vegetable oil.
“Upon thorough examination, we discovered about one thousand, nine hundred and ninety-six (1,996) kegs of refined vegetable oil… with a Duty Paid Value of N195,499,248,” he stated.
He added that the command also seized 1,500 used tyres valued at N61,392,713 and 105 jumbo-sized rolls of second-hand clothing valued at N15,632,060.
According to him, officers also intercepted 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N1,152,000, noting that the seized fuel had been safely disposed of.
“This interception brings the cumulative volume of PMS seized by the command this year to approximately 5,760 litres,” Dauda said.
He stressed that all items fall under the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List, adding that “the interception and seizure are in line with the provisions of Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”
Dauda put the total Duty Paid Value of the seized goods at N273,676,021, warning smugglers to desist from illegal trade.
“The Service will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations and sustained enforcement measures to curb all forms of economic sabotage,” he warned.
He also commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for strengthening enforcement and operational efficiency across commands.
