The Nigeria Customs Service, Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command has intensified its crackdown on smuggling and prohibited imported goods within the Command’s area of responsibility , recording seizures valued at over N273.676,021

Speaking during a press briefing at the command headquarters on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller, Momodu Dauda said in the course of its routine anti-smuggling operations, officers and men of the command successfully intercepted prohibited imported goods within the Command’s area of responsibility

 

He said that on Sunday, 14th June 2026, at about 1800 hours, the Command’s patrol team along the Odukpani–Calabar Highway intercepted a truck conveying 2 x 20ft containers laden with foreign refined vegetable oil.

 

The Area Controller said upon thorough examination, it was discovered that the containers contained about one thousand, nine hundred and ninety-six (1,996) kegs of refined vegetable oil of 25 litres with a Duty Paid Value(DPV) of N195,499,248

 

He sais in addition to this, the command also intercepted 1,500

imported used tyres of various brands and about 105

jumbo-sized rolls of second-hand clothing with a DPV of N61,392,713 and N 15,632,060.

 

“Earlier this morning, officers and men of this command intercepted about 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with a DPV of N1,152,000 brings the cumulative volume of PMS seized by the command this year to approximately 5,760

 

“In line with safety protocols and considering the highly combustible nature of the product, the seized PMS has been promptly disposed in accordance with established procedures”, he said

 

These items, the Controller said are listed under the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List and are therefore not eligible for importation into Nigeria. Their interception and seizure are in line with the provisions of Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as well as the applicable trade regulations governing prohibited imports.

 

“The reason for these prohibitions is clear. They are meant to protect public health, preserve environmental standards, encourage domestic industrial growth, safeguard our local manufacturers from unfair competition and also support the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda of promoting local production and preserving legitimate trade”, he said

 

The Contoller said the interception is a clear reflection of the commitment of the Cross River/ Calabar Free Trade Zone/ Akwa Ibom Area Command to protecting the national economy, supporting local industries and preventing the unlawful importation of prohibited items into our country.

 

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his purposeful leadership, strategic direction and continuous operational support as his reform-driven administration continues to strengthen the enforcement capabilities, intelligence-led operations and professionalism across all Commands of the Service.

 

The Area Controller who also reiterate that importation of prohibited items undermines local industries, threatens economic growth and violates extant trade regulations said for this reason, the Nigeria Customs Service remains fully committed to ensuring strict compliance with government trade policies and safeguarding the country’s borders against illicit trade.

 

He advised individuals and groups engaged in smuggling activities to desist from such acts, as the Service will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations and sustained enforcement measures to curb all forms of economic sabotage.

 

He encouraged members of the publi to support the Service by providing timely and credible information that will assist them in protecting Nigeria’s economy and promoting lawful trade.

 

The Controller assured that the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command remains resolute and unwavering in suppressing smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, protecting national security and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.