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Friendlies: Super Eagles Ready for Big Games

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Friendlies: Super Eagles ready for big games

The camp of the Super Eagles at the Hotel die Zeit an der Glan in Austria is brimming with excitement following the arrival of all invited players, and stout confidence that the the mixture of old boys and new acts are capable of turning back African champions Algeria and the continent’s second-ranked team Tunisia in two friendlies between Friday and Tuesday.

Heartwarming news came on Monday evening when former Germany U20 captain Kevin Akpoguma, who arrived camp only to bond with Nigeria’s international train ahead of his switch to fatherland, was cleared by FIFA’s single judge to dorn the green-white-green henceforth. His clearance solidifies a dependable backline of Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina, Jamilu Collins, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and first-time invitee Zaidu Sanusi.

Algeria, who have a second game against Mexico in The Netherlands on Tuesday, come into Friday’s game not only as the champions of Africa, but also on the back of an 18-match unbeaten run. They have not lost on the pitch since they were bumped by the odd goal in an AFCON 2019 qualifier away in Benin Republic in October 2018.

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Two years earlier, they were bounced 3-1 by the Super Eagles in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Uyo. Both teams ended the return leg in Constantine 1-1, though the Eagles had already picked the only World Cup ticket from the group ahead of that final encounter.

Tunisia, who play the Super Eagles on Tuesday at the same venue, will host Sudan’s Falcons at the Stade Olympique in Rades on Friday at the same time the Eagles are taking to the pitch against the Fennecs in Austria.

Djamel Belmadi, the former Algerian international who coached his country to a second continental title in Egypt last year, has included standout names Riyad Mahrez, Yassine Brahimi, Sofiane Feghouli and Baghdad Bounedjah in his 24-man squad to confront the three-time African champions.

Coach Gernot Rohr also has in his team Captain Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Kenneth Omeruo, but he has to do without electrifying forward Victor Osimhen and midfield lynchpin Wilfred Ndidi. New birds Frank Onyeka and Chidera Ejuke, and former U17 captain Samson Tijani have the opportunity to impress.

Friday’s game, like Tuesday’s, will kick off at 8.30pm Austria time (7.30pm)

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Customs Corner

Customs Kebbi Area Command Reopens Border For International Trade

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….As CAC Visits Sister Agencies To Boost Synergy

Author: Vivian Daniel

As directed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), the newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC), Kebbi Command, Comptroller Iheanacho Ojike, on Friday, 15 March 2024, reopened Kamba Border for international trade.

This was disclosed in a press release signed by Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, Kebbi Area Command, Mohammed Salisu, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller on 16 March 2024 at the Command’s Headquarters, Birnin Kebbi.

While speaking briefly after reopening the border in the presence of the district head of Kamba, Mamuda Fana, stakeholders and other sister agencies, the CAC noted that Kamba is a strategic border with significant shares in Kebbi revenue generation.

Comptroller Ojike further noted that the aim of reopening the border is to pave the way for legitimate trade that would influence nation-building positively and not permission to import illegal items that would plunder the economy and compromise national security.

Consequently, CAC Ojike stressed the readiness of the Officers and Men of the Command to facilitate equitable trade and act within the ambit of the law to streamline businesses across the Kamba Border seamlessly, saying, “As long as stakeholders engage in import activities that are permitted by the Customs extant laws, make proper declarations and pay their appropriate duties into the Federal Government coffers”.

He emphasised that grains are still prohibited for exportation out of the country in cognisance of the scarcity of food in the country.

In his response, Fana applauded the efforts of the Federal Government while regurgitating that it is a new era of hope for the people of Kebbi who have an interest in cross-border businesses and those into small-scale businesses located in Kamba town. Similarly, he pledged to caution his people to eschew illegitimate trade.

Furthermore, Comptroller Ojike made a courtesy call to the Emir of Gwandu, Major General Muhammed Iliyasu (Rtd), to seek his blessings and partnership as the Royal father of the state. He also visited other sister agencies to gain their cooperation in ensuring steady commerce across borders, curbing smuggling activities and providing security to the host communities.

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Customs Corner

Customs Ogun 1 Area Command Soars With Phenomenal Anti-Smuggling Exploits

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Records Seizures of Ammunitions, Harmful Substances Worth N557 Million in DPV

Author: Vivian Daniel.

The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made unprecedented seizures of life-threatening ammunition, highly dreaded substances and other prohibited items.

This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, Hammed Oloyede, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller on Friday, 15th March 2024, at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, addressing a group of journalists, hinted that on Thursday, 14th March 2024, while on anti-smuggling operations along the borderline, the Command Officers intercepted smuggled 940 rounds of live ammunition camouflaged in sacks of cassava flakes, commonly known as garri in local parlance.

The CAC explained the circumstances surrounding the operation as the Command had been on its trail for more than 2 weeks from the Republic of Benin before it was eventually smuggled into the country.

Speaking further, he stated that the command received valuable intelligence on the level of surveillance mounted and security reinforced by the crooked elements to safeguard the items and evade arrest. However, the superior security network of the Command eventually won the bout, though without apprehending the suspects, as they abandoned the items and absconded in a bid to evade arrest.

According to the Customs Area Controller, “the Command also recorded the seizures of 123 sacks and 3,172 parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as Indian Hemp; 380 pieces of donkey skin; 304 bales of used clothes; and 910 cartons of frozen poultry products, among others.

These items were intercepted at the creeks, borderlines and other strategic locations across Ogun State through the Command espionage network and 24-hour patrol/anti-smuggling activities. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the total seizure amounted to N557,120,828.00.

The CAC was pleased to underscore the Command’s achievement of zero-casualty operations in recent times while reiterating their unwavering dedication to uncovering the tricks of the smugglers and protecting the lives and property of the people.

“We value the lives of our people and we try our best to safeguard it. I would like to state emphatically that our operatives bear arms to protect their lives where and when necessary. Any threat to their lives will not be treated with levity.” he declared.

The Customs Area Controller implored patriotic Nigerians to join forces with the Command in its fight against smuggling of destructive substances, light weapons, arms and ammunition.

He again, underlined that such items pose a great danger to the country’s national security and have the potential to destroy lives and property within the shortest time possible. He admonished the general public that the Command is open to receiving intelligence, as well as assuring prospective partners of maximum security while urging them to join hands together to make the society a safe and peaceful place to live in.

Meanwhile, on the issue of revenue, the CAC noted that from January 2024 till date, the Command generated a total sum of N24,283,788 while highlighting that the sources of the revenue collection remain baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products.

While concluding his speech, Comptroller Shuaibu appreciated the continuous backing of the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR) and his management team which plays a significant role in improving the Command’s operations and contributing immensely to its accomplishments.

He applauded the efforts of his gallant Officers who are working tirelessly to ensure adequate confiscation is made alongside the concerted exertions of the Service Customs Intelligence Unit and Customs Police Unit in enhancing the Command’s operations.

The CAC equally recognised the cooperation of the various sister agencies and other critical stakeholders. He expressly appreciated the objectivity and professionalism of members of the press in their news coverage.

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Customs Corner

Nigeria Customs TCIP Impounds 11 Riffles, 6 Pistols, Heroine, Others

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Hands Over Illicit Drugs, Arms to Sister Agencies

Author: Lucy Nyambi.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port Command, has intercepted 11 rifles, 6 pistols alongside their ammunition and heroine, among others.

Addressing newsmen on the activities of the command within the period of January to March, on Friday, 15 March 2024, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, noted that the Command has recorded success in both revenue generation and its anti-smuggling drive.

He stated that the command has collected a total of N240,302,743,023.47 from the period of January 2024 to date.

“If you recall, our revenue target on a monthly basis is N94,000,000,000.00. What this means is that we have been able to surpass our expected revenue target of N188 billion for January and February,” he said.

On anti-smuggling, Comptroller Nnadi disclosed that the Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), intercepted Arms and Ammunition, as well as psychotropic substances.

He said, “In total, we seized 11 rifles and 6 pistols from different containers imported into the country at different times. We also seized psychotropic substances imported into the country but intercepted through collaborative work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

“Based on this collaboration, several kilograms of Cannabis Indica have been seized. In recent times, we have also seized 23 packages containing 23 kilograms of Heroin concealed in a container, the identity of which we are still keeping secret due to ongoing investigations.”

The CAC emphasized that the command’s resolve to make the seizures is “to further support the efforts of the Federal Government to keep the nation safe. We are all aware that the conveyers of these products intend to use them for notorious activities that include support to insurgents, kidnapping activities and other vices that are inimical to the well-being and security of our nation.”

He later handed over the seized drugs to the representative of NDLEA.

Receiving the items, the NDLEA Commander, Narcotics, TCIP, Mohammed Aminu-Abubakar, commended the efforts of officers involved in the seizures while also emphasizing the need for collaboration between sister agencies to secure Nigeria’s borders.

“I think this is a warning sign for people who will continue to partake in this illicit trade across the nation. There are a lot of arrests being made at the airport in relation to this.

“We should be working together with all the security agencies to see that we safeguard our own borders. It’s a wake-up call for all security agencies working in the maritime industry to make sure that we play our part to ensure that these illicit drugs do not get into our country,” he stated.

He further called on clearing agents, who unknowingly collaborate with illicit drug traffickers by allowing their companies to be used by anonymous people, to do due diligence to know their customers.

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