The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos has intercepted $20,000 and 110,000 West African CFA Francs, about N30, 861, 651, 000, concealed in a Nissan Almera suspected to be a smuggled vehicle.
Comptroller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, who made this known this during the handover of the cash to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Unit’s headquarters in Lagos, yesterday, said the interception occurred at 2,345 hours last Sunday
He said their patrol team was on routine surveillance on the Babapupa bush paths near the Seme border when they intercepted a Nissan Almera suspected to be a smuggled vehicle.The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest, he stated.
The Comptroller said the funds owner breached the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which mandate the declaration of any currency exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at the borders.
He added: “The Service has recently launched robust campaigns to educate stakeholders on the legal requirements for currency declaration at our borders. I urge stakeholders and the public to leverage these initiatives to safeguard their hard-earned income.”
Shuaibu commended his officers for their dedication and assured that the unit remains vigilant in its mission to eradicate smuggling.
In line with the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized currencies have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Speaking on behalf of the EFCC Zonal Directorate 1, Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed, commended the Customs Service for the interception just as he emphasized the effective collaboration between both agencies:
“This seizure and subsequent handover of undeclared foreign currency highlight the strong synergy between our agencies and our joint commitment to enforcing financial laws in Nigeria. “The EFCC will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the individuals involved and determine the appropriate legal action, ” he said.
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, has achieved a major breakthrough in its efforts to curb illicit financial flows across the country’s borders.
The unit intercepted $20,000 and 110,000 West African CFA Francs concealed inside a Nissan Almera suspected to be a smuggled vehicle.
Comptroller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed this during a handover ceremony of the seized foreign currency to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the FOU headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday.
According to Shuaibu, the interception occurred on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 11:45 p.m.
“Our operations patrol team was on routine surveillance along the Babapupa bush paths near the Seme border when they intercepted a Nissan Almera suspected to be a smuggled vehicle Upon sighting our officers, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest,” he stated.
Addressing officers of the Unit, representatives from the EFCC, and members of the NCBN crew, the Comptroller disclosed that an examination of the vehicle revealed the concealed sum of $20,000 USD and 110,000 West African CFA Francs, with a total estimated value of ₦30,861,651.00 (Thirty Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-One Naira).
He emphasised that the seizure is a testament to the dedication of his officers:
“This arrest underscores the relentless commitment of our personnel to thwart the activities of illicit financial flow operators and protect the Nigerian economy. It reflects our concerted efforts to combat smuggling and restore law and order along our borders, ” he said.
The Comptroller further noted that the arrest aligns with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, both of which mandate the declaration of any currency exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at the country’s borders.
He also reiterated the Service’s commitment to stakeholder education:
“The Service has recently launched robust sensitization campaigns to educate stakeholders on the legal requirements for currency declaration at our borders. I urge stakeholders and the public to leverage these initiatives to safeguard their hard-earned income.”
Shuaibu commended his officers for their dedication and assured that the unit remains vigilant in its mission to eradicate smuggling.
In line with the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized currencies have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Speaking on behalf of the EFCC Zonal Directorate 1, Assistant Director Shehu Mohammed commended the Customs Service for the interception just as he emphasized the effective collaboration between both agencies:
“This seizure and subsequent handover of undeclared foreign currency highlight the strong synergy between our agencies and our joint commitment to enforcing financial laws in Nigeria. The EFCC will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the individuals involved and determine the appropriate legal action, ” he said.
In it’s bid to strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil export base and formalise informal trade flows, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), West African Cross-border Trade and Agricultural Fair (WACTAF), and other key actors, embarked on a three-day stakeholder engagement across Ṣaki and Okerete in Oyo State.
Held on 9th July, the engagement was part of NEPC’s Informal Cross-Border Trade (ICBT) programme designed to integrate informal exports into Nigeria’s official economic data.
A visit to Okerete—a border community in Saki West LGA that connects Nigeria to Benin Republic—was central to the mission. Okerete is a major trade route for Nigerian exports heading to Mali, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and beyond.
The delegation comprised representatives from NEPC, NCS, NBS, the Oyo Shippers Association, Oyo State Ministry of Trade, and trade advocates including Alhaji Nasiru Salami, Dr. Abdulwaheed Ayobami Omotosho, and Dr. Joe Itah.
Despite the 86km stretch between Ṣaki and Okerete, the delegation endured a six-hour journey due to poor road infrastructure. Along the route, they encountered numerous export activities—particularly trucks loaded with goods, many of which exceed ECOWAS axle load standards.
The team engaged with local stakeholders including traditional rulers, traders, logistics operators, and market consolidators to build consensus for formalizing existing trade practices, collecting accurate data, and enhancing Nigeria’s non-oil export performance.
Acting Regional Coordinator of NEPC (South West, Lagos Office), Mrs Bolanle Emmanuel, emphasised the Council’s mission: “NEPC has the role to mainstream non-oil exports and promote formal export in Nigeria,” she said.
Continuing, Emmanuel said: “We are here to sensitise on the requirements for formal cross-border trade and understand Customs duties and levies. That’s why Customs is here—to guide us. They are our friends.”. Knowledge of required documentation, customs duties and levies will facilitate accurate data capturing and profitable formal export businesses.
On the team was Alhaji Nasiru Salami, an export facilitator, who stressed the need for functional border markets.
“Okerete was chosen for the South-West. Traders from Ṣaki are the ones trading here. If we have functional border markets, the economy and our people will benefit,” he explained.
Representing the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Mr. Afolabi Bello linked the export agenda to macroeconomic stability. “When the dollar rises against the naira, it’s our responsibility to act. Export earns foreign exchange to fund infrastructure. But without records, government intervention is impossible.
“If we show that two trailers leave Ṣaki daily, government support will follow,” he said, urging traders to collaborate with the NBS in documenting products like cashew and shea butter.
A retired NEPC Director, Dr. Joe Itah, noted Ṣaki’s global recognition for quality exports. “Ṣaki is visible on the world map for shea butter and cashew. The NEPC Executive Director, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, has mandated us to strengthen formal trade here.
“Infrastructure is a challenge, but with support from traditional rulers like the Kabiyesi of Ṣaki, improvements will come,” he said.
Speaking from a royal perspective, Kabiyesi Oba Khalid Olabisi Oyedepo III, the Okere of Ṣaki, encouraged exporters to collaborate. “Form cooperatives to share transport costs and get bulk discounts. When you export, you help yourselves and strengthen the Naira,” he said.
According to the monarch, “Foreigners are profiting from our resources—one Indian claimed his company has made ₦1.7 billion here. Let us reclaim our trade. Much of what’s called Ogbomosho cashew comes from Ṣaki,” he noted.
Mr. Emmanuel Akanni of Fidelity Bank reaffirmed the bank’s support for export businesses. “Ṣaki is a hub for cocoa, cashew, and more. With government support, Fidelity Bank is ready to assist traditional institutions and NEPC. Proper documentation is key to accessing financing,” he said.
Responding, the monarch urged Fidelity Bank to open a branch in Ṣaki to ease financial access.
Delivering the goodwill message of the Oyo State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investments and Cooperatives, Honourable Adebisi Adeniyi, Mr. Oluwole Uthman, an officer from the ministry, outlined the state’s commitment to formalizing cross-border trade in Saki. He stated that the government’s strategy is anchored on four key areas: registration and enumeration of traders, provision of basic infrastructure, deployment of trade facilitation officers and relevant agencies, as well as training and capacity building for women and youth engaged in trading.
“We are also committed to promoting cross-border cooperatives and market associations to ensure proper coordination and sustainability of trade activities,” Uthman said on behalf of the Commissioner. He noted that these measures are part of Oyo State’s broader efforts to improve trade governance, boost economic growth, and empower local traders in the border region.
Dr. Ayobami Omotosho, President-General of the Okerete Border Market Stakeholders Association, praised NEPC’s efforts and called for a permanent Customs/security post. “Our shea butter is now world-class. NEPC has helped us develop value-added cashew products.
“The Kabiyesi is working hard—soon we’ll commission a border post,” he said.
Chief Superintendent of the Nigerian Customs Service, (Oyo/Osun Area Command), Mr. U. D. Bukar at the event enlightened the audience on what exporters need as documents when exporting.
“Exporters need NAFDAC certificates, TIN, export licenses, and must pay duties,” he said.
Continuing, the Chief Superintendent said, “We check arrival assessment reports, certificates of origin, and more to ensure compliance and revenue growth.”
He also broke down the formal documentation requirements: “CAC registration, TIN, NEPC Export Certificate, Form M (import), NXP (export), SONCAP, NAFDAC, and Certificate of Origin,” he said must accompany any exporter whose goods are going through the border.
He listed key levies: 0–35% import duty, 7% surcharge, 0.5% ETLS levy, 1% CISS, and 7.5% VAT. Supporting docs include the SGD form, duty receipts, exit notes, PAAR, and transit bond.
The engagement ended with renewed stakeholder commitment to formalizing the vibrant but largely untracked cross-border trade around the Ṣaki–Okerete corridor—laying the foundation for stronger infrastructure, accurate data, and more inclusive economic growth.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 25 containers loaded with unregistered and counterfeit pharmaceutical products valued at ₦9.2 billion to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made the disclosure during a press briefing on Thursday, noting that the seized shipments—mostly from India—contained dangerous and unapproved items including sexual enhancement drugs (REDSUN, HYEGRA), codeine-based cough syrups (CSC brands), antibiotics (oxytetracycline, artesunate), painkillers (diclofenac, paracetamol), skin-lightening creams (GBOGBONISE, SKIN CHEMIST), breast and hip enlargement products, and tablets bearing fake NAFDAC numbers.
Also found in the seized containers were expired food items like margarine and chocolate, veterinary medicines including albendazole bolus tablets, antimalarial drugs such as Artepharm-Artequick, and consumer goods like Crusader soap.
The handover, Adeniyi said, is part of a renewed inter-agency collaboration between Customs and NAFDAC, strengthened by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November 2024. He noted that the MoU has enabled coordinated enforcement actions, joint investigations, and intelligence-sharing aimed at tracing the sources of illicit pharmaceuticals and dismantling the criminal syndicates behind them.
“These seizures reflect a disturbing trend of misdeclaration and deliberate attempts to evade regulatory scrutiny,” Adeniyi said, while praising the operational synergy with NAFDAC. “We are committed to tightening security across ports, airports, and land borders using intelligence-led operations and real-time collaboration.”
He commended the NAFDAC Director-General and her team for their unwavering support, noting that some of the critical alerts used in intercepting shipments were received late at night. Their technical expertise, he said, has been vital in identifying and confirming illegal consignments.
Adeniyi further assured the public that the Nigeria Customs Service, working closely with NAFDAC and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), will continue to confront and dismantle smuggling rings that deal in harmful and unapproved products.
“These are not just smugglers; they are merchants of death,” he said. “And we will not allow them to compromise the health and safety of Nigerians.”
According to him, joint operations coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser have led to the seizure of over 200 containers, with unregistered pharmaceutical products accounting for 63.7 percent of the total seizure value.
He warned that, had these shipments reached the market, they would have posed severe consequences for human life and the nation’s social fabric.
Issuing a stern warning to stakeholders in the international trade chain, Adeniyi said the Nigeria Customs Service, in continued partnership with other relevant agencies, will maintain an uncompromising stance on regulatory compliance.
He stressed that anyone found to be complicit—including haulage operators, bonded terminal owners, and other trade facilitators—would face the full force of the law.
He added that with significantly enhanced intelligence and technology systems, Customs is now fully capable of detecting and intercepting prohibited goods regardless of concealment tactics or documentation.
The Comptroller-General also applauded the officers of the Apapa Port Command for their vigilance, professionalism, and commitment, which were instrumental in executing the seizures.
He said the handover ceremony stands as a symbol of the shared commitment to safeguarding national health and security, assuring that through sustained collaboration, intelligence exchange, and strategic enforcement, Nigeria’s borders will remain protected from criminal threats targeting public safety.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that Ahmed Salisu, a suspect intercepted at the Aminu Kano International Airport with undeclared foreign currencies valued at ₦653.9 million, will forfeit the funds in addition to facing other penalties.
Speaking during a joint press conference in Kano on Tuesday, the Comptroller of Customs for Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Dalhatu Abubakar, and the Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Shazali, said the suspect violated Section 3 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
The law mandates all travellers carrying over $10,000 or its equivalent to declare such amounts to Customs. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.
Salisu, a Kano native holding a Ghanaian passport (G5347658), arrived in Nigeria from Saudi Arabia aboard Ethiopian Airlines at about 12:15 p.m. on Monday. According to officials, he failed to declare the cash despite being reminded to do so.
Acting on intelligence, officials searched the suspect and his luggage, recovering a total of $420,900 USD; 3,946,500 CFA Francs (XOF); 224,000 CFA Francs (XAF); and £5,825 British Pounds Sterling.
Authorities confirmed that the seized funds will be forfeited in accordance with relevant laws, as investigations continue.
“The total amount of interception in Naira is valued at 653,987,268.5 million Naira.
“It is important to mention that the ever-changing dynamics of these criminals present a challenge to law enforcement.
“The concealment of these huge amounts of currency in cartons of clothing represents the height of desperation to distract attention,” the comptroller said.
Comptroller Abubakar added that: “Terrorists acquire weapons, machinery and other logistics to inflict harm on our citizens without which they cannot operate.
“Therefore, as our law enforcement agencies take on the fight against the criminals, we must also seek to cut the very oxygen that sustains the crime, which is the financing.”
The suspect and exhibits were handed over to the EFCC Zonal Director, Ibrahim Shazali, for further investigations.
Mr. Shazali described the crime as “illegal cash smuggling,” noting that “attempting to circumvent our financial laws and border controls is a futile and costly endeavour.”
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its efforts to curb illicit financial flows by sensitising international airline operators on the mandatory declaration of foreign currency by passengers carrying over $10,000.
At a sensitisation session held over the weekend at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Customs officials urged airlines to remind passengers, via in-flight announcements and forms, to declare any cash exceeding the permitted threshold. Passengers who fail to comply risk seizure of funds, investigation, and possible prosecution under Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs in charge of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Unit, Salihu Mas’ud, said the exercise is part of a broader strategy to enhance compliance and enforcement.
“We expect higher compliance, and it will strengthen our enforcement mechanism,” Mas’ud said. “It also ensures that defaulters and violators of currency declarations are detected promptly and forwarded for necessary investigation and prosecution.”
He noted that Customs has taken concrete measures to improve enforcement at the airport, including establishing dedicated search rooms and currency declaration points. Announcements are also being made regularly over the airport’s public address system.
Mas’ud added that airline operators have pledged to reinforce these reminders onboard flights. “We have also gotten the commitment of the airline operators to ensure that these announcements are being made on board their flights,” he said.
The NCS also reminded airlines of their obligation to submit electronic manifests (e-Manifests) before landing, which must include full passenger information such as names, countries of origin and destination, and flight numbers. This data, the Service noted, is vital for risk profiling and surveillance.
The sensitisation forum, held in collaboration with other law enforcement and regulatory agencies, emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating smuggling, terrorism financing, and illicit financial transactions across Nigeria’s borders.
International Relations Alumni Association of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has celebrated the appointment of its Board of Trustees Chair, Customs Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, as World Customs Organisation (WCO) chair.
In a statement by its executive council, the group hailed Adeniyi’s election as a milestone for Nigeria and the global customs community.
WCO Council, comprising 186 member states, elected Adeniyi at its annual meeting in Brussels, the first time a Nigerian has assumed the top position in its 73-year history.
“Your distinguished career in Nigeria Customs Service—culminating in your role as comptroller general—has been marked by a commitment to transparency, professionalism, and transformative leadership
“These qualities not only reflect the values of our alma mater but also reinforce Nigeria’s position on the global stage,” “the association said
It noted that Adeniyi’s appointment is a source of pride for OAU’s International Relations graduates, especially considering his role as chair of the alumni body’s BoT.
“As an alumnus of International Relations at OAU, your achievement serves as a source of inspiration to us.
“We are proud to celebrate this milestone with you and confident that your tenure at WCO will be defined by same excellence and visionary approach you have demonstrated,” the statement said.
Adeniyi took office as chairof WCO Council on July 1, succeeding South Africa’s Edward Kieswetter, commissioner of South African Revenue Service.
WCO Council functions as the highest decision-making bodyin the organisation, responsible for setting international Customs standards and guiding activities of customs administrations worldwide.
Since becoming Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service in 2023, Adeniyi has spearheaded major reforms, including the digitalization of customs processes, improved stakeholder collaboration, and record-breaking revenue generation.
Known for his integrity, innovation, and global perspective, Adeniyi has earned widespread respect within and beyond Nigeria’s borders. His new role at the WCO is expected to inject fresh dynamism and forward-thinking leadership into the global customs landscape.
The OAU alumni body stated in its message by describing the appointment as not only a professional accolade but a powerful affirmation of the university’s enduring legacy and the global impact of its graduates.
No fewer than 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa hidden in a truck have been seized by the operatives of Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Controller Godwin Otunla, has said.
Otunla disclosed on Thursday during a press briefing held at the Idiroko Area Command.
He said his men intercepted a truck loaded with 2,693 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 1.450kg with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N172,920,000.
Otunla said: “On Sunday, 29 June 2025, at about 0005 hours, our operatives, during an intelligence-driven operation, intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number EPE-595-LA. The vehicle was driven by one Mr. William Asare, a 39-year-old Nigerian resident of Mobil, Challenge area, Ibadan, Oyo State.
“Upon initial examination, the truck was suspected to be conveying prohibited items. Further inspection revealed that several parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana, had been ingeniously concealed within fabricated compartments, also referred to as a false bottom, of the truck.
“In accordance with Section 226 of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act, 2023, the truck was immediately moved to the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko for further investigation. A comprehensive physical examination revealed a total of 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1.450kg.
“Other enabling provisions of the NCS Act 2023 that guided this operation include Sections 6 and 250. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizure amounts to N172,920,000.
“The successful interception of this large quantity of illicit drugs is a significant step in preventing the circulation of these harmful substances in our communities, especially among our youth, and in safeguarding national security.
“I wish to reaffirm the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and cross-border crimes.”
“Gentlemen of the press, having secured the approval of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) and Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, I will now hand over the seized cannabis and the suspect to the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action.”
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command has intercepted 27 containers of unregistered pharmaceutical and other prohibited items worth over N9.2 billion in the last six months.
Nine out of the 27 containers, it was gathered, that were seized just a couple of days ago.
Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, the Area Controller, Babatunde Olomu said “between January-June, 27 containers with a duty paid value of (DPV) of N9,267,443,966 in the last six months were seized.
The seizures, Olomu said “include 10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, two containers of codeine syrup, two containers of stolen vehicles, four containers of second-hand clothing, amongst others.”
The seized items, the Area Controller added, “are fallout of our efforts at preventing Nigerians from unwholesome foods and drugs, stopping illicit trade and protecting our local industries. We will never compromise the health, well-being and safety of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation. Every consignment passing through our port undergoes diligent check through scanning and physical examination when required.
“Unregistered pharmaceuticals are most prominent on the list of 28 seizures made by the command during the period under review. The seizures comprise of controlled drugs, used clothes, codeine syrup, wild animals’ skin and other sundry items.”
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted 27 containers of unregistered pharmaceutical and other prohibited items in the last six months, worth over N9.2billion.
Nine out of the 27 containers, it was gathered, were seized just a couple of days ago.
Addressing reporters in Lagos on Thursday, the Area Controller, Babatunde Olomu, disclosed that “between January-June 2025, twenty-seven containers with a duty paid value of (DPV) of Nine billion, two hundred sixty-seven million, four hundred and forty-three thousand, nine hundred and sixty-six naira (N9,267,443,966.00) in the last six months.
The seizures, Olomu said, “Include 10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, two containers of codeine syrup, two containers of stolen vehicles, four containers of second-hand clothing, amongst others.”
The seized items, the Area Controller added, “are a fallout of our efforts at preventing Nigerians from unwholesome foods and drugs, stopping illicit trade and protecting our local industries.
As a standard, he said, “We will never compromise our health, well-being. Safety of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation. Every consignment passing through our port undergoes a diligent check through scanning and physical examination when required.
“Unregistered pharmaceuticals are most prominent on the list of twenty-eight (28) seizures made by the command during the period under review. The seizures comprise controlled drugs, used clothes. codeine syrup, wild animals’ skin and other sundry items.
Olomu emphasised, “That trafficking of wild animals contravenes the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which Nigeria is a signatory to.”
Equally, on the detention list is a container of matches imported without the required End User Certificate (EUC) as provided for in the Customs extant laws.
