The Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit Zone C in Owerri has intercepted a massive consignment of smuggled foreign vegetable oil worth more than N403 million in a major enforcement operation.
Customs officers seized 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. The Duty Paid Value of all seized items totals N403,491,000.
Operatives intercepted two trucks carrying the contraband at approximately 10 PM on May 9 along the 9th Miles road in Enugu, and another truck along the Onisha-Agbor highway on June 7, 2026, following credible intelligence reports.
Comptroller Bishir Balogun of the Federal Operations Unit Zone C said the seizure represents a major blow to economic saboteurs whose illegal importation undermines local industry, technology transfer, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. He emphasized that the operation demonstrates the Service’s firm commitment to enforcing the NCS Act 2022 and the Federal Government’s fiscal measures prohibiting foreign vegetable oil importation.
Balogun warned smuggling networks to cease their activities, stating the Nigeria Customs Service will continue deploying intelligence-led strategies to protect public health, national security, and the domestic economy. The confiscated items remain in custody as investigations continue and legal processes commence.