Connect with us

Customs Corner

Customs FOU ‘A’ Intercepts 9,857 Parcels Of Cannabis Sativa, others Worth N1Billion in 1 Month

Published

on

Author: Lucy Nyambi.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ has intercepted some smuggled items for contravening various Sections of Customs laws.

In its Monthly Press Briefing for May, the Ag. Comptroller in charge of the Unit, DC Hussein Ejibunu said, Some of the wares were intercepted for either violating the guidelines on the importation/exportation of goods, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification and smuggling. Others were seized for contravening policy directives as it is in the case of foreign parboiled rice.

According to him, “Detentions and seizures recorded within the period under review amounted to 79 seizures, with a total duty paid value of N1,025,905,110”.

Notable among the seizures are:
6,861 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each (equivalent to 12 trailer loads), 1,236 jerry cans X 25 litres (30,900 litres) of petroleum,
9,857 parcels (5,338 kg) of cannabis sativa, 2 X 20 of unprocessed wood.
4 units of used vehicles (Tokunbo)
40 X 5 jerry cans of vegetable oil.
54 bales of second-hand clothing.
4 suspects were arrested in connection with some of the intercepted goods.

“For ongoing prosecution of suspects, the Federal High Court at Abeokuta-Ogun, sentenced Musa Oloyede, Fishing Godwin David and Adeniyi Alaye, to two years imprisonment for assaulting our officers while carrying out their statutory duties”. Ejibunu noted.

On revenue, the Unit generated the sum of N38,355,362.88 through documentary checks, followed by the issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate Customs Duty.

“Consequent to the social effect of cannabis sativa on the youths, it becomes very worrisome that a total of 9,857 parcels were seized in a single swoop”. Ejibunu noted.

“Crime experts have found a direct relationship between the intake of this controlled plant and violent crimes”. He emphasized.

“We are conscious of this challenge and will continually cut the supply chain of illicit drugs and other prohibited substances” he further stressed.

He urged citizens to promptly share useful information with operatives that will assist to checkmate the menace of smuggling.

“Since smuggling is a crime that deals in illegal trade, such as illicit drugs and prohibited weapons, Nigerians should see insecurity and other crimes as products of smuggling”. He said.

“The perpetrators should be considered as common enemies of the land that must be jointly fought by all citizens”. He concluded.

Customs Corner

COWA Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command Visits Ibadan Orphanage, Shows Support for Children.

Published

on

Author: Vivian Daniel.

The COWA Chairperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Mrs Nnneamaka Oramalugo has led a delegation on a heart-warming visit to two motherless babies’ homes in Ibadan, Oyo State.

This was contained in a press release signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs, Kayode Wey, on behalf of the COWA Chairperson, noted that the visit occurred on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

The visit was in a bid to carry on the legacy and policy thrust of the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi, to alleviate the prevailing economic hardship being faced by Nigerians across the nation.

The Oyo/Osun COWA Chairperson, Mrs Nnneamaka Oramalugo emphasised that the noble visit to Child Care Home for Abandoned, Rescued Children and Juvenile Correctional as well as Home School for Handicapped Children located in Ibadan Oyo State was to extend love, care, and support to the children residing in these homes.

She was accompanied by members of COWA and some other officials from the Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command on what was termed as “a compassionate mission to bring joy and comfort to the lives of the children at the motherless babies’ homes.” The delegation also arrived at these homes with gifts, essential supplies and provisions generously donated by members of COWA.

During the visit, Mrs. Nneamaka warmly engaged with the children in various fun activities. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, smiles, and heartfelt moments as the children embraced the love showered on them by the COWA delegation.

She expressed her deep gratitude to the staff and caregivers of the motherless babies’ homes for their relentless commitment to providing an appropriate environment where the children under their care are well-nourished while reiterating the COWA’s unwavering support for other initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of such vulnerable members of society.

The Oyo/Osun COWA Chairperson stated that the visit to the motherless babies’ homes exemplifies COWA’s core values of compassion, empathy, and community service. It also underscores the organisation’s commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of the less-privileged and empowering women in society.

Furthermore, Mrs. Nneamaka Oramalugo presented palliative like Rice, Indomie Noddles, Toiletries and Detergent to Widows of Deceased Officers, as well as Widowers whose wives were registered members of COWA.

On behalf of the children, the staff and caregivers of the motherless babies’ homes expressed their gratitude and thanked the COWA Chairperson and member of the Association for their visit to the respective homes.

They also stated that the compassionate gesture and philanthropic efforts are highly appreciated, as they look forward to receiving more of such gestures, which they believe would go a long way to aid adequate provisions, especially, during this period of untold economic hardship in the country.

Continue Reading

Customs Corner

COWA FOU ‘A’ Calls for Women Empowerment, Donates Items to Widows

Published

on

COWA FOU 'A' Calls for Women Empowerment, Donates Items to Widows

By Lucy Nyambi

The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A chapter has called for women’s empowerment to create a better world.

Members of the association turned up for a seminar at the Unit on Saturday, 23rd March, 2024, in commemoration of International Women’s Day.

Speaking at the event, the chairperson of COWA FOU ‘A’, Jumoke Ejibunu, emphasised that this year’s theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” aligns with the vision of COWA’s National President.

She stated, “COWA National President, Kikelomo Adeniyi, is committed to genuine change with her humanitarian passion for empowering women and skills acquisition. COWA should be hopeful of better days ahead.”

Ejibunu encouraged women to showcase themselves fully, saying, “As a woman, believe in yourself, know your strengths and abilities, love yourself, absorb knowledge, empower yourself, and be open to change.”

As part of efforts to improve women’s health, the women were educated on awareness and management of menopause by Dr Alfa Suleiman, the FOU ‘A’ Medical Doctor.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of food items to widows.

Recipients expressed appreciation to COWA for the kind gesture and also extended gratitude to the National President for revitalising the association.

Continue Reading

Customs Corner

Customs, Police Trail Perpetrators of Yauri Outstation Criminal Attack

Published

on

Customs, Police Trail Perpetrators of Yauri Outstation Criminal Attack

…As Area Controller Holds Closed-Door Meeting With Kebbi State Governor

By Abass Quadri

The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other sister security agencies, launched a manhunt for criminals who attacked Customs officers while performing their legitimate duties at the Yauri outstation in Kebbi state.

According to a press statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Mohammed Salisu stated that the incident occurred on Thursday, 21 March 2024, when the officers thwarted smuggling activities at Yauri Waterside.

The statement reads, “In the late hours of Thursday, March 21, 2024, at about 23:10 hours, the combined team of Yauri outstation and Surveillance were informed of suspected smuggling activity at the Yauri waterside. Upon arriving at the scene, 41 bags of foreign parboiled rice were seized, secured, and taken to the outstation.

“Afterward, a mob attack was launched by the aggrieved smugglers by mobilising hoodlums to attack the outpost.”

Superintendent of Customs Mohammed Salisu explained that swift intervention from Kebbi Command and other sister agencies helped contain the situation.

He noted that the Officer in charge sustained a hand injury, while “1 AK47 rifle was carted away but retrieved shortly, and 29 out of 41 bags of the seized rice were taken away by the attackers.

“The mob went further to vandalise personnel vehicles, the outstation ACs, chairs, tables, windows, doors, and other essentials put in place to support the operations of the outstation.”

He further stated that the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has hosted the Customs Area Controller, Iheanacho Ojike, to discuss the way forward, while also stating that the CAC has been in touch with the state Commissioner of Police, leading to some arrests and investigations launched to prosecute the criminals.

Continue Reading

Trending