Customs Makes Breakthrough Against Economic Sabotage In Waterway Operation

In a bid to safeguard Nigeria’s economy, protect local industries, and shield consumers from unregulated goods, the Western Marine Command (WMC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major breakthrough against economic sabotage along the nation’s maritime borders.

The Command impounded 14,100 litres of smuggled Automatic Gas Oil (AGO) also known as diseal, 204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and 40 cartons of assorted cosmetic products, among other goods, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦83,124,000 in recent enforcement activities.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Command on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, the Acting Comptroller, Western Marine Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Thomas Jonah explained that the significant operational success was achieved through sustained efforts to combat smuggling and other forms of illicit activities along Nigeria’s waterways.

“The first operation took place on Thursday, 5 November 2026, when a joint patrol team from Yekeme, Badagry, and the Command Information Patrol intercepted 40 cartons of assorted cosmetic products. In another operation, at about 0345 hours on Friday, 6 November 2026, the same team, while conducting a routine patrol along the Akere waterways, intercepted 50 kegs of Automotive Gas Oil, with each keg containing 50 litres, amounting to 2,500 litres,” he said.

DC Jonah explained that, based on credible intelligence, the Bar Beach Outstation Team swiftly mobilised and impounded 232 kegs of Automotive Gas Oil, totaling 11,600 litres, and one fibre boat fitted with a 40HP outboard engine suspected to have been used in the attempted smuggling operation. He pegged the Duty Paid Value of the 204 seized bags of foreign rice at ₦19,584,000.

The Ag. Comptroller reassured members of the public, particularly stakeholders and communities along the waterways, that the Western Marine Command will continue to strengthen its operational strategies and intelligence-gathering mechanisms to ensure an absolute reduction in smuggling activities.