Customs seizes ₦5.64bn worth of vehicles, over 1.7m litres of fuel in 2024 enforcement drive
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it recorded a total of 397 seizures of vehicles worth ₦5.64 billion in 2024.
This disclosure was made by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, where he highlighted the service’s enforcement activities for the year.
According to Adeniyi, the seizures are part of the NCS’s relentless efforts to enforce import regulations, safeguard government revenue, and combat smuggling activities.
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“The service recorded significant seizures of other restricted items, including 3,785 bales of textiles valued at ₦945 million, 183,527 bags of rice, and various quantities of footwear, beverages, and other consumer goods,” he stated.
“These efforts are aimed at protecting local industries and supporting the government’s economic diversification agenda.”
Adeniyi also reported a major crackdown on fuel diversion under Operation Whirlwind, a joint initiative launched earlier in the year with the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited.
Through this operation, the NCS seized 1,716,656 litres of petroleum products from individuals attempting to divert the fuel to neighbouring countries.
“These seizures reflect our commitment to addressing economic sabotage and protecting the nation’s resources. Most significantly, our enforcement activities have yielded 55 arrests of suspects currently under investigation as we continue to dismantle the criminal networks behind these activities,” Adeniyi said.
In a bid to enhance its enforcement capabilities, the NCS has invested in advanced technology, including geospatial tools and intelligence-gathering mechanisms.
Adeniyi noted that these innovations, coupled with capacity building for Customs officers, are central to ensuring the Service stays ahead of emerging threats.
“These technological advancements will significantly boost our surveillance and enforcement operations, positioning Customs as a critical player in the nation’s security architecture while facilitating legitimate trade,” he said.
The Customs boss stressed that the Service’s comprehensive enforcement strategy aligns with national security objectives and international obligations. He reiterated that the NCS remains committed to fostering a secure trading environment and supporting Nigeria’s economic development through strict regulation and proactive measures.
“The integration of modern tools with existing frameworks is a strategic investment in the future of Customs enforcement to ensure the nation’s borders remain secure and our trade processes are efficient,” Adeniyi concluded.
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