Author: Abass Quadri.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has recorded a milestone with the interception of contraband worth N380 million in one month.

Addressing newsmen at his maiden briefing on Thursday, 9 May 2024, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller James Ojo, said the achievement was recorded within 23 days of his assumption of office.

“Since I took over the leadership of the Command on 16 April 2024, we have hit the ground running and to the glory of God, it is with pleasure that we announce to you our anti-smuggling exploits and other achievements recorded.”

“So far, the seizures under review include 90 sacks & 1,309 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 1,596 pieces of foreign used tyres, 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 32 bales of used clothes, 1,603 cartons of frozen poultry products, and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit among others”. He Stated.

The CAC further explained that the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items amounts to N380,370,911.00, adding that the intelligence-driven interception took place at different locations within Ogun State with the strategic efforts of the intelligence Network.

He urged stakeholders to remain compliant and assured of the Command’s maximum cooperation.

“Let me use this medium to encourage our compliant traders to remain steadfast and be assured of our maximum cooperation. Our doors are wide open for consultation and required support”. He stated.

The CAC warned economic saboteurs to avoid smuggling activities and embrace legitimate trade. “Anyone caught in the act will be made to face the wrath of the law”.

Comptroller Ojo appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management for their support, which has helped motivate gallant officers in executing their duties as well as critical stakeholders in playing their part.

Author: Vivian Daniel.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, Comptroller Bature Bashir, has reeled out the anti-smuggling operations successes recorded since he took over the Command’s leadership late in April 2024.

He made this known during a press conference held on Friday, 10 May 2024, at the Command Headquarters in Yola, Adamawa state.

Comptroller Bashir stated that the seized items include 12,435 Litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) packed in 491x25L and 8 x 20L Jerry Cans, one used Mitsubishi truck and one used Motor Cycle while emphasising the need to auction the confiscated items almost immediately because of their flammable nature and following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), as enshrined in section 119 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

“The seizure of these items is in line with sections 150 and 248 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 because the Command’s territorial borders are officially closed. However, due to the flammable nature of the PMS, they will be auctioned immediately after this briefing in accordance with the standard operating procedure (SOP) and as enshrined in section 119 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the proceeds accrued remitted into the Federation Account accordingly,” he held.

The CAC further reiterated the adverse effects of smuggling activities, which had done more harm than good to Nigeria. It hinders national growth and strangles trade policies, which cuts across revenue, foreign investment, preservation of domestic trade and development, food security, and public security, to mention but a few.

“We want to unwaveringly tell the smugglers that our operatives are strategically repositioned along the borderlines to fasten their exit out of this illicit business. We advise you to renounce economic sabotage and illegitimate trade into and out of the Command’s territorial borders and adopt genuine business as the Command operatives will not rest on their paddles until we stamp out smuggling across all the command borders,” he cautioned.

The CAC solicited the partnership of the border Communities and patriotic Nigerians in providing timely intelligence that can support the Command’s operations in getting rid of the economic menace from the nation as well as cautioning the transporters and oil marketers to be watchful and nationalistic to repudiate these smugglers of any supply chain opportunities. He equally admonished media practitioners to increase their awareness campaign in educating the general public on the dangers and negative impacts of smuggling on the nation’s socio-economic development.

“To the border Communities and the patriotic Nigerians, we solicit your partnership in providing timely intelligence that can aid our operations in getting rid of this economic scourge from our nation. To the transporters and oil marketers, be vigilant and patriotic to deny these smugglers a supply chain. And to the media personnel, please do increase awareness campaign to educate the general public on the dangers and negative impacts of smuggling on our socio-economic development,” he implored.

Comptroller Bashir attributed the tremendous achievements recorded so far to the steadfast support and reassurance of the management of the Nigeria Customs Service under the firm leadership of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), who has continued to give all the required backing and supply chain for the Command’s smooth anti-smuggling operations while wholeheartedly appreciating his unrelenting drive for the Service development. He also acknowledged the cooperation prowess of all the Customs Units, which consist of the CIU, FOU, SIS, Valuation, ICT and other security agencies.

Author: Femi Anamelechi.

Amidst the scarcity of petroleum products in the country, Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command have intercepted 177 Sacks and 61 Kegs of 25 Litres containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along Isalu Creek Badagry Waterway en route Benin Republic.

Addressing newsmen at the command headquarters on Friday, 10 May 2024, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, disclosed that the seizure was made possible by a joint patrol team on credible intelligence.

“At about 2330hrs on Wednesday, 8 May 2024, while on joint patrol based on credible intelligence, we received the movement of 2 Boats laden with what was suspected to be petroleum products concealed in sacks. Upon receipt of the information, the team moved into Isalu Creeks Badagry Waterway.

The Customs Area Controller stated that careful examination of the seizure at the Command Headquarters revealed “177 Sacks and 61 Kegs of 25 Litres Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) containing 12,500 Liters with a total Duty Paid Value standing at N8,750,000.”

According to him, the action of the smugglers contravenes Section 245 & 254 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

Comptroller Bamisaiye warned smugglers to desist from their wicked acts or risk arrest, as the command has zero tolerance for smuggling.

“There’s a strong warning to the economic importance of this kind of seizure at a time of fuel scarcity can not be over-emphasised. People are suffering due to artificial scarcity, but they are busy smuggling these products outside the country to make money. It’s either they stop this act, or we continue to arrest them. We have zero tolerance for this act,” he vowed.

The CAC further commended the effort of officers involved in the interception and their commitment to duty.