The Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone A, says it has recovered more than two billion naira for the Federation Account in the last nine months.

The unit also intercepted over 21,000 bags of smuggled rice, equivalent to about 35 truckloads, during the same period.

The outgoing Area Controller, Gambo Aliyu, says illicit drugs and other prohibited items were also seized during the operations.

He says the command’s anti-smuggling operations are now largely intelligence-driven, with officers targeting specific smuggling activities rather than carrying out random actions.

Aliyu attributes the results to the commitment of Customs officers and support from the service’s management.

He also called for stronger collaboration between the Customs Service and the media in tackling smuggling and other economic crimes.

The outgoing controller says journalists remain important partners in exposing and addressing illegal trade.

He adds that continued intelligence-led operations will be key to reducing smuggling and protecting government revenue.