The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C in Owerri, has intercepted a large consignment of smuggled foreign vegetable oil valued at N403.5 million across parts of the South-East and South-South regions.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Comptroller of the Unit, Bishir Balogun, the seizures were made during separate operations carried out on May 9 and June 7 along the Ninth Mile axis in Enugu State and the Onitsha-Agbor road corridor.
The intercepted goods were being transported in two trucks and comprised 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 10 jerrycans of the same brand in 10-litre containers, as well as 40 cartons of sunflower vegetable oil in different sizes.
Balogun attributed the successful operation to intelligence-driven surveillance and coordinated enforcement efforts by officers of the Unit.
He noted that the seizure deals a significant setback to smuggling syndicates whose activities negatively affect local industries, reduce employment opportunities, hinder technology transfer, and deprive the nation of valuable foreign exchange earnings.
The Comptroller reiterated the Service’s commitment to enforcing the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2022 and supporting government policies that restrict the importation of foreign vegetable oil in order to protect local production.
He also warned individuals involved in smuggling and related illegal activities to desist, stressing that the Customs Service would continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations aimed at safeguarding the economy, public health, and national security.
The seized products remain in Customs custody pending the conclusion of investigations and the commencement of necessary legal proceedings.
