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.

…As Command Empowers Officers’ Wives, Donates Relief Materials to Less Privileged

Author: Lucy Nyambi and Vivian Daniel.

The Nigeria Customs Service Kwara Area Command has generated N10,027,580,694.63 from January to May 2024.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Faith Ojeifo, made this known during a press briefing on Thursday, 27 June 2024.

While showcasing the activities of the command within the period under review, the CAC disclosed that “A comparative review of the preceding year 2023 indicates that the command surpassed what was collected in the same period last year 2023 with N2,885,779,644.03 which represents 40.41% increment”.

On Anti-Smuggling, the command recorded seizures of prohibited items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N35,416,140.00.

The items include 507 Bags of foreign Rice, One Unit of a used vehicle, 1,055 pieces of used tyres, 164 Jerry cans of PMS of 25 litres each (4,100 litres)

As part of the service’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Command donated relief materials to the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development.

“I am honoured to stand before you today to present these relief materials on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, to the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development”, the Area Controller stated.

“The items we are donating today are aimed at providing relief, comfort, support, and hope to those affected by specific crisis or challenges”, he explained.

The CAC acknowledged that the ministry is not a revenue-generating ministry and only benefits from monthly allocations from the Kwara State Government, “and that is why we are recognising the tireless efforts of the ministry in serving the less privileged, the vulnerable and the disabled in the society”.

“We are proud to partner with you in this endeavour. Our donation symbolises the Comptroller General of Customs’ commitment to caring for those in need. May it bring joy, hope, and relief to those who receive them”, Ojeifo emphasised.

Similarly, Comptroller Ojeifo also announced the empowerment of 67 registered members of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) with sewing machines, baking oven, and makeup kits after months of extensive training.

In his words, “We are proud to have produced certified and quality trainees who are graduating from different fields and not only that, also supporting them with start-up equipment and machines as their training demand.”

He called for a more just and equitable society where women and girls can thrive and reach their full potential while also acknowledging critical stakeholders for their support.