Customs intercept N273.7m worth of contraband in Cross River
The Nigeria Customs Service has seized prohibited goods valued at over N273 million in Cross River State. Comptroller Giwa Dauda explained that the operation targeted items such as foreign refined vegetable oil, used tyres, and second-hand clothing. The seizures are part of ongoing efforts to protect local manufacturers and support the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda. During the operation, Customs officers also confiscated illegal petrol shipments.
What happened
- Comptroller Giwa Dauda stated that Customs operatives intercepted two 20-foot containers with 1,996 kegs of prohibited foreign refined vegetable oil along the Odukpani-Calabar Highway on June 14, 2026.
- The Duty Paid Value of the seized vegetable oil was put at N195.5 million.
- In addition to vegetable oil, officers also seized 1,500 used tyres and 105 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing.
- Customs operatives confiscated 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, bringing the total petrol seized by the Command in 2026 to 5,760 litres.
- Dauda warned that smuggling undermines local industries, threatens jobs, and deprives the government of revenue.
