Western Marine Customs seizes ₦83m diesel, other contrabands

Maureen Aguta

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Area Command, has intercepted 14,100 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 204 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 40 cartons of assorted cosmetic products with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦83.124 million in a series of anti-smuggling operations across its waterways.

The seizures were recorded during intelligence-driven enforcement operations and routine patrols conducted between Thursday, November 5, and Saturday, November 7, 2026, as part of the Command’s sustained efforts to curb smuggling and protect Nigeria’s economic interests.

The seized petroleum products comprised 282 kegs of AGO, each containing 50 litres, while the Command also recovered a fibre boat fitted with a 40HP outboard engine suspected to have been used in the attempted smuggling activities.

Giving details of the operations, the Command disclosed that its first interception took place on Thursday, November 5, when a joint patrol team comprising officers from Yekeme, Badagry and the Command Information Patrol intercepted 40 cartons of assorted cosmetic products.

In a subsequent operation at about 3:45 a.m. on Friday, November 6, a joint patrol team intercepted 50 kegs of AGO, equivalent to 2,500 litres, along the Akere waterways during routine surveillance.

Similarly, at about 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, the Command’s Information and Barbeach Outstation Team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted another 232 kegs of AGO, amounting to 11,600 litres, along the Takwabay waterways.

The operation also led to the seizure of a fibre boat equipped with a 40HP outboard engine.

The Command further disclosed that 204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, with a Duty Paid Value of ₦19.584 million, were intercepted during its enforcement activities.

According to the Command, the suspected smugglers abandoned the consignments and fled upon sighting the approaching Customs officers, thereby evading arrest.

It explained that the seized petroleum products had been converted to seizure and constructively warehoused because of their highly combustible and inflammable nature, pending further action in line with established safety procedures

The Command also disclosed that the Automotive Gas Oil would be auctioned to members of the public in accordance with relevant provisions of extant laws.

Reaffirming its commitment to combating smuggling, the Western Marine Area Command said it would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, waterway surveillance and collaboration with relevant security agencies in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

The Command commended its officers and men for their vigilance, professionalism and prompt response to intelligence, while urging residents and stakeholders along the waterways to provide credible information that could assist in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in illicit activities.

It warned that smugglers and economic saboteurs would find no hiding place within its operational jurisdiction, stressing its determination to safeguard national security and protect the economy.