Author: Abass Quadri.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Katsina Command, has handed over six intercepted trucks of assorted grains to the rightful owners in the state as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe, the Command, in collaboration with the Federal Operations Unit Zone B, had earlier intercepted the six (6) trucks on the 18 of February 2024 along Kwanar Gwanti, Dogon Hawa road Mai, adua Local Government Area of the state on their way out of the country.

Handing over the grains to the owners on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Umar, explained that following the directive of President Tinubu to release all assorted grains under the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service, “Today, we hereby formally hand over six trucks and their contains to owners.”

“The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), during his official working visit to Katsina, passed across the presidential directive, which mandated the returns of detained food items to owners, on the condition that they are to be sold in the Nigerian markets to ensure food security and alleviate the hardship faced in the country.” He added.

He stated that to ensure compliance, the Command would collaborate with the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), Federal Operation Unit (FOU B), and the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) to monitor the sales of the released grains to ensure that they are not smuggled out of the country.

The CAC highlighted that the service under the leadership of the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team are committed to fostering constructive dialogue and collaboration with the border communities to ensure security and prosperity in the country.

He however, called on the public to be vigilant and provide credible information to the Nigeria Customs Service that will assist in curtailing the smuggling of foodstuff and other essential commodities out of the country.

Receiving the items on behalf of the owners, the Chairman of Mai’adua Local Government Area, Hon. Salisu Mamman NaAllah expressed gratitude to the President for the kind gesture while assuring that the owners of the released grains will adhere strictly to the presidential directive.

He extended appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs for his recent visit to the Mai’adua Community and his prompt positive response to complaints. Also, he commended the effort of the Katsina Customs Area Controller for his cordial relationship with the border communities.

… Vows to Intensify Fight Against Smuggling

Author: Ibe Wada.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Eastern Marine Command (EMC), has seized three truckloads of yam tubers and other assorted items loaded onto a boat, intended for illegal exportation through the waterways of Isaka in Oron to neighboring countries, such as Cameroon.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller, Mike Ugbagu, revealed this during a press briefing at the Command’s Headquarters on Thursday, 7 March 2024, in Porthacourt.

The CAC emphasized the necessity for proper documentation and adherence to export procedures, stating that attempting to transport goods through the creeks without following the required protocols constitutes smuggling, punishable under the law.

He explained that the success in intercepting the seizures, was attributed to the continuous surveillance and strategic efforts of Eastern Marine operatives, who diligently patrol the creeks and beaches of the Southern waterways.

He said the command’s ability to conduct effective surveillance “is by the provision of fast logistic boats and ballistic gunboats by the NCS Management.”

Highlighting the Command anti-smuggling activities In January, February, and early March 2024, the CAC noted that the command seized various contraband items, including petroleum products, used shoes, foreign rice, and used tires, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) estimated at approximately N250million.

He further stated that Five suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures and have been subjected to ongoing prosecution procedures.

Comptroller Ugbagu reiterated the Command’s firm stance against smuggling activities, warning smugglers and would-be perpetrators of the consequences of their actions.

He emphasized the importance of patriotism, particularly in safeguarding essential commodities during a time of food shortages within the Country.

Author: Lucy Nyambi.

Representatives of the Wildlife Justice Commission US Fish and Wildlife, among others, visited the Special Wildlife Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Customs Training College in Lagos on Monday, 4th March 2024.

This is in commemoration of World Wildlife Day, which holds on 3rd March every year, as well as to assess the NCS facilities for improved partnership.

The partners were taken around the facility, and wildlife seizures have been made so far by the Commandant of the Training College, DC Haniel Hadison.

Speaking after the tour, DC Hadison highlighted the benefits of partnering with international organizations in the fight against illegal wildlife trade while also appreciating the CG of Customs for his capacity-building drive.

He said, “For the past three hours or thereabouts, we have had the privilege of having the unit’s partners from other international organizations.
We used this opportunity also to showcase how far we have come and how we have been able to do so in the fight against the illegal trafficking of wildlife items.

“There is much for Nigeria Customs Service, particularly the wildlife unit, to achieve from these international partners. They are bringing in their expertise, technocrats, and the level of knowledge for us to tap from.
So, above all, it’s going to be an added value, particularly as it relates to the CGC’s Clarion Call on capacity building.”

In his message to perpetrators of illegal wildlife trade, the Commandant said the
Nigeria Customs Service is very clear on its position. “Every day, Nigeria Customs officers and men, particularly the special officers, are being trained in this aspect.
They’ve been making a lot of arrests and a lot of prosecutions. It’s ongoing; Investigations also are ongoing.
So, my message to them is that they should desist from these illegal activities because there’s no room for them,” he warned.

The Coordinator of the Special Wildlife Unit, AC Abimbola Isafiade, stated that the existing partnership with international organizations signifies a bright future for the unit.

“Going forward, we’re going to improve on the training we’ve been having. Before now, we’ve only trained maybe a fraction, but now we want to train practically all the men and officers of Nigeria Customs Service, and I know that is possible with the kind of support we have gotten now.

“We are partnering with, in addition to the partnership that we have, the likes of Wildlife Justice Commission, we are partnering now with the US Fish and Wildlife.
We had a meeting last month where they pledged their support. And here they have come to assess the environment to see what we have, the facilities we have,
for them to know what and where to step in, in terms of capacity building,” she added.

She further stated that the training is expected to commence in a few months to combat illegal wildlife trade and trafficking.