Nigeria Customs Intercepts Smuggled Vegetable Oil Worth N403.5m In South-East

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, has intercepted a large consignment of smuggled foreign vegetable oil valued at N403.5 million, in what was described as a major breakthrough in the fight against economic sabotage and illicit trade.

Speaking during a press briefing in Owerri, Imo State, on Monday, June 15, 2026, the Controller of FOU Zone C, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, said the seizure was achieved through intelligence-driven operations and sustained enforcement activities by officers of the unit.

Balogun disclosed that Customs operatives confiscated a total of 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 10 jerrycans of 10-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 20 cartons of 5-litre sunflower vegetable oil, and 20 cartons of 3-litre sunflower vegetable oil.

According to him, the first truck carrying the prohibited items was intercepted around 10 p.m. on May 9, 2026, along the 9th Mile axis in Enugu State, while a second truck was apprehended on June 7, 2026, on the Onitsha–Agbor Highway following credible intelligence reports.

He stated that the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized products stood at N403,491,000.

Describing the operation as a significant victory against smuggling syndicates, Balogun said the seizure would help protect local industries and support government economic policies.

“This seizure represents a major blow to economic saboteurs whose illegal importation of foreign vegetable oil undermines local industry, technology transfer, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings,” he said.

The Customs boss reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and implementing federal government policies aimed at protecting local manufacturers from unfair competition.

“Let me emphasise that the operation demonstrates the Service's firm commitment to enforcing the NCS Act 2023 and the Federal Government's fiscal and protective measures that prohibit the importation of foreign vegetable oil,” Balogun added.

He warned individuals and groups involved in smuggling activities to desist, stressing that the Service would continue to deploy intelligence-led enforcement strategies to combat illegal trade, safeguard public health, strengthen national security, and protect the country's economy.

Balogun further revealed that the seized vegetable oil remains in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service pending the completion of investigations and the initiation of appropriate legal action against those connected to the smuggling operation.