The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, has intercepted 3,310 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil with a Duty Paid Value of ₦403.5 million in a major crackdown on smuggling networks targeting Nigeria’s local industry.
The seizure was disclosed on Monday, 15 June 2026, in Owerri, Imo State, during a press briefing by the Comptroller of Customs, Bishir Balogun.
According to Balogun, the intercepted consignment includes 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 10 jerrycans of 10-litre variant, and 20 cartons each of 5-litre and 3-litre sunflower vegetable oil.
He said the first interception was made on 9 May 2026 at about 10 p.m. along the 9th Mile axis in Enugu State, while a second operation led to another seizure on 7 June 2026 along the Onitsha–Agbor Highway, both carried out following credible intelligence.
Balogun noted that the coordinated operations reflect the Unit’s sustained intelligence-driven enforcement strategy aimed at dismantling smuggling networks and protecting the domestic economy.
“This seizure represents a major blow to economic saboteurs whose illegal importation of foreign vegetable oil undermines local industry, job creation, technology transfer, and foreign exchange earnings,” he said.
He further explained that the operation aligns with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Federal Government’s policy restricting the importation of foreign vegetable oil.
The Customs boss warned smugglers to desist from illegal trade activities, stressing that the Service would continue to intensify surveillance and enforcement across all operational corridors.
He added that the seized items remain in Customs custody pending investigation and the commencement of appropriate legal proceedings.
