Lagos, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling campaign with the seizure of foreign vegetable oil valued at ₦403.49 million, dealing a significant blow to illicit trade networks operating across the South-East.
The interception was carried out by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C, Owerri, in what Customs described as an intelligence-driven operation aimed at protecting local industries, safeguarding government revenue and enforcing trade regulations.
Speaking on the seizure, the Controller of FOU Zone C, Comptroller Bashir Balogun, said the operation was the result of extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated field operations. According to him, officers monitored the movement of suspected smugglers over a period of time before strategically intercepting the consignments.
The seized items comprised 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 10 jerrycans of 10 litres, and 20 cartons each of five-litre and three-litre sunflower oil products. Customs said the products were imported without proper declaration and payment of applicable duties.
The first interception was made on May 9 along the 9th Mile corridor in Enugu State, while the second occurred on June 7, 2026, along the Onitsha–Agbor Highway in Delta State. Both routes are critical transport corridors for commercial activities in the South-East and have long been identified as channels used by smugglers to move contraband goods.
Balogun noted that the seizure extends beyond revenue protection, stressing that smuggled goods undermine legitimate manufacturers who comply with regulatory requirements, pay duties and taxes, and contribute to employment generation.
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He explained that illegal imports create unfair competition for local producers, discourage investment in the agro-processing sector and deprive government of much-needed revenue. According to him, the influx of duty-unpaid products also exerts pressure on local industries and contributes to capital flight.
“Every smuggled product undermines legitimate businesses, threatens jobs and weakens the nation’s economy,” he said.
The Comptroller reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to enforcing the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2022, which empowers Customs to intercept, seize and prosecute individuals involved in activities that threaten Nigeria’s economic interests.
He added that FOU Zone C remains aligned with the Federal Government’s economic agenda of promoting local production, import substitution and industrial growth. To achieve this, the Unit will continue to deploy intelligence, technology and collaboration with other security agencies to combat smuggling.
Balogun also warned smugglers and their collaborators that the Service would sustain pressure on illegal trade networks across the region, stressing that the South-East is becoming increasingly difficult terrain for illicit business activities.
Beyond the economic implications, he noted that smuggled vegetable oil products often evade mandatory regulatory inspections and quality assurance processes, potentially exposing consumers to health and safety risks.
The seized products remain in Customs custody pending the conclusion of investigations. The Service said appropriate legal action would be taken against all suspects and individuals connected to the illegal importation.
Balogun assured stakeholders that the Unit would continue to pursue its mandate of suppressing smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade and contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.
