Author: Lucy Nyambi

Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, have intercepted 975 Rounds of live Cartridges of red star ammunition Concealed in Bags of Rice.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, who disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday, 28 November 2023, stated that the seizure was made following an
intel that the 5 bags of foreign parboiled rice containing live cartridges of red star ammunition had been carefully hidden in a bush path along the Palace/Ayetoro road, Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The CAC stated that the bags of rice were suspected because of the unusual threading and sewing of the sacks.

He said, “During the examination, about 975 rounds of red star live cartridges were found to have been ingeniously concealed in the bags.”

“We have intensified efforts at tracking down the perpetrators of this nefarious act for them to be brought to justice.” He added

Shuaibu reiterated the Command’s resolve to promote national security and the country’s economic well-being.

He appreciated the gallant Officers and Men for their bravery and commended the patriotism of informants for their partnership.

He further called on well-meaning Nigerians with helpful intel to collaborate with the Service in enhancing the security of the nation.

Author: Ibe Wada.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dauda Ibrahim Chana, has paid a courtesy visit to Jigawa State Governor, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi.

Comptroller Chana, while highlighting his aim of the visit, focused his discussion on the development and advancement of the Maigatari Free Trade Zone (FTZ) within the state, stressing the need to use strategic tools to enhance ties and opportunities.

In a statement signed on Wednesday, 29th November 2023, by Superintendent of Customs Saidu Nuruddeen, the Public Relations officer of the Command, Chana listed the potential of the Maigatari FTZ in alleviating poverty, reducing unemployment, and enhancing the incomes of the state’s residents, thereby promising an open door policy and maximum support to ensure that the Maigatari FTZ achieves its full potentials.

The CAC further reiterated that the Maigatari Free Trade Zone would boost economic opportunities, attract investment, as promote suitable growth, with particular attention given to the export potential within the state.

In his response, the Executive Governor, Mallam Umar, affirmed his dedication to supporting the Customs Command in achieving its core mandates, as it aligns with his agenda to improve trade and commerce within the state.

He explained that the meeting underscores a shared commitment to collaborative initiatives that will advance the economic landscape of Jigawa State.

“It represents a strategic partnership between federal and state authorities, aimed at fostering economic growth and enriching trade opportunities within the state.” He concluded.

Author: Gift Wada.

The Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Comptroller Chedi Wada, said the Unit, since his resumption, has recorded a total of 264 seizures of 21 different items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2,888,460,294.68.

Comptroller Wada stated this on Tuesday during a Press Briefing on the Unit’s activities, held at the Command Headquarters in Kaduna. He attributed the success to the intelligence drive and improved strategies of the Unit.

“I am happy to announce that so far, the Unit has recorded a total of Two Hundred and Forty-Two (264) seizures of 21 Different items between the date of my resumption and now, which also clearly speaks of our resolve as a Unit to continue to improve on our strategies and overall performances by building on the strong foundations we inherited,” he said.

Seizures made include Vehicles (18 Means of) conveyance), 2991 Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice (50Kg) worth 202,202,737.20, 25 Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice (25 each) worth 994,815.00, 292 Foreign Refined Vegetable Oils (25litres each) worth 17,943.400.00, 2131 Cartons of Spaghetti, Macaroni & Couscous worth 17,972,861.32.

Others are 640 Bales of Foreign Secondhand Clothing worth 137,356,492.15, 147 Sacks of Foreign Secondhand shoes worth 21,957,573.75, 360 Cartons of Frozen Poultry Products worth  20,308,932.00, 120 Cartons of Foreign Pomade worth 8,973,421.20, 98 Pieces of Foreign Jack Knives worth 1,242,961.44, 34 Cartons of Foreign Condensed Milk worth 3,808,451.20, 1972 Jerry cans of PMS (25 litres each) worth 22,975,811.15, 20 Bundles of Foreign Used Tyres worth 917,978.40, 16 Cartons of Foreign Hookah (Tobacco) worth 4,563,136.00, 337 Cartons of Foreign Cigarettes worth 80,278,792.00, 78 Cartons of Foreign Medicaments worth 3,580,115.76, 870 pieces Foreign Machetes worth 7,586,186.85, 212 Cartons of Foreign Milky Creamer worth 5,525,829.80, 76 Bags of Ammonium Sulphate (25Kg each) worth 15,724,096.38, 76 Cartons of expired seasoning worth 4,679,073.38, 10 Bags of Foreign Flour worth 695,614.00.

Speaking on the closure of all land borders with the Niger Republic in full force, Comptroller Wada assured full compliance with the directives of the leadership and management of the Nigeria Customs Service.

“Our Unit will continue to leverage on the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, in terms of all operational processes aimed at achieving optimal results,” he said.

While commending the Military, Nigeria Police Force, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and all other sister agencies for their support, he warned smugglers, those engaged in illegal activities, and all other unscrupulous traders to steer clear of Zone B.