By Augustine Ehikioya
The Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has disclosed that it has successfully intercepted prohibited imported goods within the Command’s area of responsibility.
Noting that the successes were recorded in the course of routine anti-smuggling operations, it assured that it will continue to carry out statutory responsibilities of enforcing government fiscal policies, suppressing smuggling activities and protecting the national economy.
This was disclosed by MG Dauda, Customs Area Comptroller, Cross River/ Calabar Free Trade Zone/ Akwa Ibom Area Command at a press briefing on Wednesday 24th June 2026. It was monitored by Security Watch Africa (SWA),
He said “On Sunday, 14th June 2026, at about 1800 hours, our patrol team along the Odukpani–Calabar Highway intercepted a truck conveying 2 x 20ft containers laden with foreign refined vegetable oil.
“Upon thorough examination, we 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 One hundred and ninety- five million, four hundred and twenty-eight naira (N195,499,248)
“In addition to this, the command also intercepted one thousand, five hundred (1,500) imported used tyres of various brands and about One hundred and five (105) jumbo-sized rolls of second-hand clothing with a DPV of Sixty-one million, three hundred and ninety-two thousand, seven hundred and thirteen naira (N61,392,713) and Fifteen million, one hundred and twelve thousand, sixty naira ( N 15,632,060)”
He went on “Earlier this morning, officers and men of this command intercepted about Eight hundred litres (800ltrs) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with a DPV of One million, one hundred and fifty-two thousand naira (N1,152,000).
“This interception brings the cumulative volume volume of PMS seized by the command this year to approximately Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Sixty litres (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 added.
The items, according to him, are listed under the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List and are therefore not eligible for importation into Nigeria.
He stated further that 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 and safeguard our local manufacturers from unfair competition.
“They also support the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda of promoting local production and preserving legitimate trade.”
He said that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items is estimated at Two hundred and Seventy- three million, six hndred and seventy-six thousand, and twenty-one naira (N273,676,021)
“This 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 purposeful leadership, strategic direction and continuous operational support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, noting that his reform-driven administration has continue to strengthen enforcement capabilities, intelligence-led operations and professionalism across all Commands of the Service.
“Let me also reiterate that the importation of prohibited items undermines local industries, threatens economic growth and violates extant trade regulations. For this reason, the Nigeria Customs Service remains fully committed to ensuring strict compliance with Government trade policies and safeguarding our borders against illicit trade.
“Individuals and groups engaged in smuggling activities are advised 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.
“Members of the public are encouraged to support the Service by providing timely and credible information that will assist us in protecting Nigeria’s economy and promoting lawful trade.
“Let me assure you all 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,” he said.
