Customs Seizes 13 Truckloads of Foreign Rice and N1.24 Billion Worth of 'Tokunbo' Vehicles in Lagos and Ogun

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, under the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has reported a significant interception of smuggled goods in a recent operation. The haul includes 13 trucks loaded with 7,381 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice and 17 units of used vehicles, commonly referred to as 'tokunbo,' with a total value of N1.24 billion. These items had been illicitly brought into the country from neighboring Benin Republic, with the surge in smuggling activity attributed to the approaching yuletide season.

During a press briefing in Lagos, Hussein Ejibunu, the acting Customs Area Controller for FOU, Zone A, revealed that the operation also led to the interception of 14,825 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) that were on the verge of being smuggled out of Nigeria to Benin Republic. The operation resulted in the arrest of nine individuals involved in these smuggling activities.

Ejibunu emphasized the success of their revised strategies in curbing smuggling and stated their commitment to maintaining these efforts. He affirmed their dedication to thwarting various tactics used by smugglers, including concealment, illegal routes, false declarations, and under-declaration. Ejibunu also emphasized their determination to enforce the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, including penalties for offenders.

Furthermore, he reported that they collected N115.46 million following the issuance of demand notices to those who engaged in under-valuation, under-payment, and misclassification of goods.

The Customs boss reminded the public that the ban on importing vehicles, both new and used, through land borders remains in effect. He highlighted that rice seizures have been recurring, with 7,381 units of foreign parboiled rice confiscated, along with 17 vehicles from smugglers attempting to evade duty payment.

Apart from the aforementioned items, the operation also yielded seizures of used tires, bales of second-hand clothing, tomato ketchup, soaps, Indian hemp parcels, used motorcycles, GIV soap cartons, and hide and skin sacks hidden in a container.

Ejibunu appealed to Nigerians to provide credible information that can assist in combating the smuggling of contraband into the country, emphasizing the need for public support in tackling economic sabotage.