The Nigeria Customs Service says it will intensify enforcement after recording seizures valued at N172.4 million.
The seizures were made by the Eastern Marine Command within the last three months across the eastern maritime corridor.
The Customs Area Controller, Anderson Jaja, disclosed this during a press briefing in Calabar, Cross River State.
He said intelligence-led operations accounted for the large volume of contraband intercepted by officers of the command.
Jaja said the command remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain and suppressing smuggling activities in its area.
Items seized include used clothing, used tyres, assorted soaps, detergents, wines, juices, beverages and bicycles.
Other intercepted goods include used shoes, scrap metals, wire mesh, chemicals, batteries, water tanks and drums.
The command also seized two flying boats and a 20-foot container linked to smuggling activities.
Jaja warned smugglers to desist from illegal trade, stressing that the command would not tolerate economic sabotage.
He said the service would continue to balance strict enforcement with the facilitation of legitimate business activities.
Compliant traders were urged to use trade programmes such as the Authorised Economic Operator and One-Stop-Shop platforms.
Jaja thanked the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, for providing patrol boats and operational support to the command.
He also commended officers of the command and assured stakeholders of sustained vigilance in maritime security operations.
