Customs FOU Zone ‘C’ Nets Over N1 Billion Seizures in Q1 Under Compt Balogun

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, headquartered in Owerri, has showcased a strong start to its anti-smuggling campaign under the leadership of its new Comptroller, Bishir Abdullahi Balogun. In his first month in office, Comptroller Balogun’s strategic enforcement measures have resulted in the seizure of illicit goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of a staggering N1,010,113,880.00 (one billion, ten million, one hundred and thirteen thousand, eight hundred and eighty naira only).

Comptroller Balogun revealed these impressive figures during his maiden press briefing held at the unit’s headquarters today. He emphasized the unit’s unwavering commitment to combating smuggling, describing it as an act of economic sabotage that undermines local industries and the well-being of Nigerian citizens by bringing in prohibited items.

Since assuming leadership on March 20th, 2025, Comptroller Balogun has swiftly implemented robust anti-smuggling strategies, leading to the interception of a significant volume of contraband. The seized items include:

• 725 bales of second-hand used clothing

• 2762 rolls of satin fabric (60 yards each)

• 2589 used tyres

• 233 sacks of 2kg foreign rice

• 181 rolls of wall covering

• 102 bottles of 75cl diesel

• 80 jerry cans of 25L of PMS (Calabar)

• 78 jerry cans of 25L crude oil

• 32 new tyres

• 25 bales of Cannabis Sativa

• 24 bottles of 150cl of diesel

• 14 bags of 50kg foreign rice

• 3 cartons of red wine

• 1 sack of used shoes

• 4 heavy-duty trucks (Scannia, two Mercedez, and a Mack)

• 2 x 40 ft empty containers

• 5 parcels of Canadian Loud (Cannabis)

Beyond seizures, the FOU Zone ‘C’ also demonstrated its commitment to revenue recovery, generating a total of N13,451,848 through Demand Notices (DN) within the same one-month period.

Comptroller Balogun firmly stated that the unit, backed by intelligence-driven strategies from the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, will not be deterred by the tactics of smugglers and their collaborators. He commended the officers and men of the unit for their focus, diligence, professionalism, and dedication to contributing to the national economy by blocking revenue leakages and securing the nation’s entry points.

He further called on traders and stakeholders to adhere to regulations, assuring them that compliant individuals have nothing to fear. He reiterated the unit’s commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the CGC’s agenda.

In the spirit of inter-agency collaboration, Comptroller Balogun announced that the seized Cannabis Sativa would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Comptroller attributed these early successes to the purposeful leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, the high level of professionalism within the service, commitment, and teamwork. He also expressed his determination to sanitize the zone of all illicit customs activities and facilitate legitimate trade.

Concluding his briefing, Comptroller Balogun lauded the media for their ongoing support in disseminating information and urged them to continue their advocacy against illicit trade. He called on Nigerians to support the Customs Service with necessary information and intelligence to aid in the effective discharge of their duties, ultimately protecting lives and the nation’s economy for the betterment of all citizens.