Customs Federal Operations Unit Owerri Cracks Down on Smugglers, Records N1.10bn Seizures in 1 Month

The Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ Owerri, headed by Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun in a systematic crackdown has set the ball rolling in its anti-smuggling giant strides. This positive impact has given birth to the apprehension of illicit goods with duty paid value (DPV) of *N1,010,113,880.00 (one billion, ten million, one hundred and thirteen thousand, eight hundred and eight naira only)* within one (1) month of assumption of office. Further-more as part of the unit’s revenue recovery a total of Thirteen million, four hundred and fifty-one thousand, eight hundred and forty-eight naira (N13,451,848). was generated from Demand Notices (DN) within the period under review.

The new Controller of the unit disclosed this information during his first press briefing at the unit’s headquarters in Owerri which took place today the 17th of April 2025. Frowning at smugglers, he stated the damages of smuggling as he described it as economic sabotage to bring in prohibited goods into the country which he said will have negative impact on our local industries, and affect the well-being of individuals.

It could be recalled that Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun took over the mantle of leadership on the 20th of march 2025, he did not relent in carrying out his statutory mandate as he swung into action to bring smuggling activities in Owerri and its environs to its minimal level.

The anti-smuggling measures put in place by the new Controller of the unit as soon as he assumed office which is one of the core mandates of the service led to the interception and seizure of these goods namely;

• 725 BALES OF SECOND-HAND USED CLOTHING.
• 2762 ROLLS OF SATIN FABRIC OF 60 YARDS.
• 2589 USED TYRES.
• 233 SACKS OF 2KG FOREIGN RICE.
• 181 ROLLS OF WALL COVERING.
• 102 BOTTLES OF 75CL DIESEL.
• 80 JERRY CAN 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 CARTON OF REDWINE.
• 1 SACK OF USED SHOES.
• 5 PARCEL OF CANNADIAN LOUD.

Comptroller Bishir noted that no matter the intentions of smugglers and their patronizers the unit will not relent in carrying out its statutory functions which are backed up with intelligence-driven strategies by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

The Controller of the unit while Commending officers/men of the unit during the briefing anchored his successes to focus, diligence, professionalism and decision to contribute his quota to national economy, by blocking all revenue leakages, enforcement of trade facilitation and taking charge of the nation’s entry points which is of uttermost importance to the unit.

In continuation he restated that the unit must work together to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and the CGC BA Adeniyi (MFR) to succeed. He also called on traders and stakeholders to be compliant, as our officers are professionally trained to checkmate the activities of non-compliant traders and block likely areas of revenue leakages.
In our inter-agency collaboration, the seized cannabis sativa shall be handed over to NDLEA.

These timely successes and achievements are as a result of the purposeful leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, high-level of professionalism, commitment, and teamwork. He further added that the unit is also determined to sanitize the zone of any form of un-customs activities and facilitate legitimate trade.NCS is committed to the consolidation of successes achieved, collaborative engagement with critical stakeholders, and innovative ideas in its dealings to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations. The Controller used the medium to thank the sagacious CGC and his entire management team for their dynamic leadership styles and qualities.

In conclusion, the controller commended the media for their continuous support and for spreading the gospel. He called on them not to relent, he urged them to continue with the advocacy and campaign against illicit trade within and across the nation’s borders. Nigerians should support the service with the necessary information and intelligence that will assist in effectively
discharging our statutory functions, to protect lives and the nation’s economy to better the lives of Nigerians at large.