…Warns Officers Against Being Defaulters 

Author: Lucy Nyambi.

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has called on officers to honour their oath of service, particularly in fulfilling their national security mandate.

The CGC, who was on an operational visit at Apapa on Thursday, 04 June 2024, addressed officers of Apapa Area Command on the current security threats in the country. He highlighted the critical role of customs officers in safeguarding the nation’s borders.

Recounting the recent seizure of Arms and military accoutrements at the Lagos Airport and a similar seizure in Onne Port, the CGC emphasised the onerous tasks on officers to address the national security emergency in the country.

He said, “Declarations made by these people who go through our desks are inside our system. What it means is that we have an onerous responsibility to address the national security emergency that we face in Nigeria.”

“The trend has shown that there are desperate networks of support, people who conspire with them,

some of them within the service, some of them outside the service. And we have a responsibility not to allow them to bring that devilish merchandise into Nigeria”, the CGC stressed.

Adeniyi highlighted the importance of adhering to proper procedures in ensuring goods are scanned and physically examined to prevent illegal items from entering the country.

The CGC urged officers to maintain the highest level of integrity, as their actions can be traced.

“We work with a system that has track and trace. What each and all of you do with our system can be tracked. It can be traced. We can attribute them to you in the next seven years or beyond. What you do not do can also be attributed to you, so either way, we can be located and called upon to account for our actions and inactions”, he warned.

“I, therefore, urge you to live to your responsibility; this nation is ours, revenue is important, trade facilitation is important, we are getting it right on those ends, and we must not fail on our mandate of national security. So the responsibility lies with all of us to live up to the oath of service, the oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he emphasised.

He warned that anyone traced or caught on the wrong side of the law would not be spared.

By Lucy Nyambi

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi has showcased another seizure of Arms and Military Equipment at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, 3 July 2024.

This is coming barely 48 hrs after the Customs Boss showcased a similar seizure of 844 Riffles and 112,500 Rounds of Ammunition at the Port Harcourt Area II Command in Onne.

During the press briefing in Lagos, the CGC disclosed that the items which emanated from Turkey were intercepted on 19 June 2024, based on credible intelligence from local and international collaborators.

“During the examination, an item was discovered and suspected to be part of a rifle from a console consignment with airway bill number 235-58737755, emanating from Turkey. Consequently, the entire consignment was isolated for thorough examination. At the end of the examination, it was established that 4 packages were used to conceal 55 PIECES OF Unassembled Jojef Magnum (Tomahawk) Semi-Automatic Shotgun. The unassembled rifles were concealed using a Shower Faucet.

“The Duty Paid Value of these illicit arms is N270, 888, 109.29. A suspect is currently in our custody in connection with this illicit arms importation and is assisting with an ongoing investigation to uncover the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” the CGC stated.

Additionally, the CGC also showcased Military and Paramilitary accoutrements improperly imported without end users’ certificates with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,298,019,276.91.

A breakdown of the items include; 148pcs Drones, 172pcs Ballistic Vests, 15pcs Ballistic Plate, 1pc Ballistic Helmet, 8pcs Walkie Talkie, 9,172pcs Military & Paramilitary Badges, 20pcs Camouflage Uniform, 100pcs Camouflage Vest, 172pcs Camouflage Cap, 120pcs Binoculars—all items with a total Duty Paid Value of N1,568,907,386.48.

According to the CGC, analysis of the recent seizures indicates that “Some unscrupulous Nigerians based in Turkey are purchasing, packaging and exporting these illicit arms to Nigeria. Intelligence further revealed that they are exploring new frontiers to perpetrate their nefarious activities.

“Still, I can assure Nigerians that all our Commands are on red alert to intercept any such illicit arms importation.”

Furthermore, the Customs Boss stated that Officers whose diligence, integrity and dedication to duty resulted in remarkable seizure would be adequately rewarded in a manner provided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

He commended the Customs Area Controller MMAC, Comptroller Michael Awe and his dedicated officers and men for their unwavering professionalism and commitment while also sending an unequivocal warning to perpetrators considering similar illicit importation, as the Service is relentless in its pursuit of securing the country’s national frontiers and fostering national security.

The items were later handed over to the Zonal Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the office of the National Security Adviser, for diligent investigation and prosecution.

Author: Vivian Daniel and Ibe Wada.

The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) Osun/Oyo Command has paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of late Deputy Comptroller Essien Andrew at their residence in Olorunda Estate, Akobo.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Command Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs, Kayode Wey, on 29 June 2024,

The visit, which was led by the Command Chairperson, Mrs Felicia Oramalugo, ably represented by Mrs Ogechi Onaneye, conveyed deep sympathies to Mrs Oluwatoyin Essien, widow of the deceased senior officer, DC Essien, who served diligently in Revenue, Finance Administration, and Technical Services (FATS).

She explained that the senior Officer will be remembered for his exemplary dedication to the Nigeria Customs Service.

Mrs Oramalugo, accompanied by fellow COWA members, expressed profound sorrow at the loss and assured Mrs Essien of ongoing support from the association and the entire Customs community.

“On behalf of the National President of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, we extend our deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband. His dedication and service to the Nigeria Customs Service were exemplary, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us.”

“We stand with the family in this period and offer our unwavering support and assistance” ” she acknowledged.

She pointed out that the visit by members of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) allowed COWA to offer prayers, practical assistance and emotional support to the grieving family.

The Chairperson also emphasised the importance of unity and support within the Customs community, particularly in times of need.

Mrs Oluwatoyin Essien, in her remarks appreciated members, of the association for coming to show much solidarity with her family, as she prayed for all members of COWA and the Service at large.