Customs recovers N2bn, intercepts 21,000 bags of smuggled rice in Lagos

The federal operations unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, recovered more than N2bn for the federation account and intercepted over 21,000 bags of smuggled rice in the last nine months, the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Gambo Aliyu, said on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Aliyu disclosed this while receiving members of the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists on a farewell visit to the command in Ikeja.

He said the unit’s approach to tackling smuggling had been deliberate and targeted, relying heavily on intelligence-driven operations rather than random actions.

According to Aliyu, the intercepted rice was equivalent to approximately 35 truckloads. He added that the unit also seized illicit drugs and other prohibited items during the period under review.

He attributed the achievements to the commitment of officers and support from the Customs management, stressing that the unit’s operations were increasingly driven by intelligence.

“Our approach to tackling smuggling has been deliberate and targeted, relying heavily on intelligence-driven operations rather than random actions,” Aliyu said.

The outgoing controller also emphasised the importance of media support in the fight against smuggling and other economic crimes.

He described journalists as strategic partners and critical allies, noting that the fight against smuggling was a challenge no single agency could tackle alone.

Aliyu said continued collaboration with strategic partners, particularly the media, was essential to achieving lasting success.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists, Dele Aderibigbe, said the group visited the command to honour Aliyu for his leadership, professionalism and contributions to the fight against smuggling.

Aderibigbe described journalists as watchdogs of society, noting that their responsibility sometimes makes stakeholders uncomfortable but that their ultimate commitment remained the truth.

The chairman of the NNMJ advisory board, Sesan Onileimo, also commended Aliyu, describing him as a man who keeps his word and has built a strong relationship with maritime journalists.