BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service says it has thwarted no fewer than 674 smuggling attempts within six months, underscoring a renewed crackdown on illicit trade across Lagos and the South-West corridor.
Controller of the unit, Comptroller Aliyu Gambo, disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving the newly elected executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) during a courtesy visit to his office in Lagos.
Gambo, who assumed office in December 2025, said the impressive seizures and interceptions were achieved through intensified intelligence-led operations and strategic patrols across the region.
According to him, the unit is now moving beyond conventional enforcement tactics and embracing predictive enforcement powered by geospatial intelligence technology to stay ahead of smugglers and strengthen border security.
He explained that the technology-driven approach is designed to improve surveillance, track smuggling routes more effectively, and boost interception success rates nationwide.
FOU Zone A oversees anti-smuggling operations across Lagos and the entire South-West region — a major commercial hub often targeted by cross-border smuggling networks.
The Customs boss noted that the reforms align with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs to deepen intelligence-driven enforcement and modernise the agency’s operational strategy in the fight against economic sabotage.
He reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to sustaining pressure on smugglers while ensuring legitimate trade thrives within the nation’s borders.
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2026-05-20