The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone C in Owerri, has intercepted a large quantity of foreign-smuggled vegetable oil valued at over N403.4 million, dealing a significant blow to illegal importation activities in the country.
According to a statement issued by the Customs Area Controller of the unit, Bishir Balogun, the seizure was achieved through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated efforts by Customs officers. The operation forms part of the agency’s ongoing campaign to curb smuggling and protect local industries from unfair competition.
Balogun explained that Customs officers acted on credible intelligence reports that led to the interception of two trucks transporting the prohibited goods. One of the trucks was stopped in Mayaround the 9th Mile area of Enugu State, while the second was intercepted in June 2026 along the Onitsha–Agbor Highway.
The seized products included:
- 3,310 jerrycans of Super Delicious vegetable oil, each containing 25 litres
- 10 jerrycans of Super Delicious vegetable oil, each containing 10 litres
- 20 cartons of Sunflower vegetable oil in 5-litre packs
- 20 cartons of Sunflower vegetable oil in 3-litre packs
- Other related items discovered during the operation
The Customs boss stated that the total duty-paid value of the confiscated goods was estimated at N403.4 million.
Balogun described the seizure as a major success in the fight against economic crimes, noting that the illegal importation of vegetable oil negatively affects Nigeria’s economy. According to him, smuggling undermines local manufacturing, discourages investment, limits job opportunities, and reduces the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
He stressed that the Federal Government has put measures in place to restrict the importation of foreign vegetable oil in order to support local producers and strengthen domestic industries. The Customs Service, he said, remains committed to enforcing these policies through strict compliance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2022 (as amended).
“The seizure represents a significant setback for economic saboteurs whose activities threaten the growth of local industries and weaken the nation’s economic development,” Balogun stated.
He also warned individuals and criminal groups involved in smuggling operations to abandon such activities, stressing that the Customs Service would continue to adopt intelligence-led strategies to track and intercept illegal goods entering the country.
According to him, the agency’s enforcement efforts are not only aimed at protecting government revenue but also at safeguarding public health, strengthening national security, and promoting economic stability.
Balogun reassured Nigerians that Customs officers across the country remain vigilant and committed to preventing prohibited goods from finding their way into local markets.
The seized vegetable oil products have been placed in Customs custody while investigations continue. Authorities are expected to commence the necessary legal procedures against those linked to the smuggling operation.
The latest interception highlights the Customs Service’s determination to combat smuggling and ensure that government policies designed to support local industries are fully enforced. As authorities intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering, more efforts are expected to be directed toward protecting Nigeria’s economy from illegal trade activities.
