The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, has intercepted 1,996 kegs of foreign refined vegetable oil and other prohibited goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N273.68 million.
Speaking to journalists in Calabar on Wednesday, Momodu Dauda disclosed that the seizures were made during a series of anti-smuggling operations conducted across the command’s area of responsibility. He said the operations dealt a significant blow to illicit trade networks operating within the region.
The seized items included foreign refined vegetable oil, imported used tyres, second-hand clothing, and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), all intercepted between early June and June 24, 2026.
According to Dauda, the largest seizure occurred on June 14, 2026, when Customs patrol officers intercepted a truck carrying two 20-foot containers along the Odukpani–Calabar Highway. The truck’s driver and his assistant reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting Customs officers.
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A search of the truck revealed 1,996 kegs of 25-litre foreign refined vegetable oil with a DPV of N195.5 million. Customs officers also seized 1,500 imported used tyres valued at N61.39 million and 105 jumbo-sized rolls of second-hand clothing worth N15.63 million.
In a separate operation on Wednesday, officers intercepted 800 litres of PMS valued at N1.15 million. The latest seizure brings the command’s total PMS seizures for 2026 to approximately 5,760 litres.
Dauda emphasized that all the confiscated items are listed on the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List and warned that their importation and distribution pose serious threats to public health, local industries, environmental standards, and the nation’s economy.
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He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage through intelligence-driven operations and sustained enforcement measures. The comptroller also called on Nigerians to support Customs by providing credible and timely information that could aid enforcement efforts and promote lawful trade.
The Area Comptroller credited the command’s achievements to the reforms introduced by Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, noting that the leadership of the Comptroller-General has strengthened intelligence gathering, enforcement operations, and professionalism across the Customs Service.
The latest interceptions underscore the ongoing efforts of the NCS to protect Nigeria’s economy, support local industries, and curb smuggling activities across the country’s borders.
