In a bid to safeguard the nation’s economic interests, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) South-West Zone generated a substantial sum of N38,355,362.88 through meticulous documentary checks in May 2023.
This was disclosed by the Controller Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Hussein K Ejibunu during a briefing with journalists in Lagos.
Ejibunu also noted that the Unit embarked on a relentless mission to counteract the activities of saboteurs seeking to undermine the viability of the country which led to the interception of various smuggled items, ensuring the well-being of citizens and upholding the rule of law.
Throughout the month of May 2023, according to him, the Unit implemented extensive surveillance, intelligence gathering, and regular patrols to combat smuggling activities within the South-West Zone’s border corridors while noting that the dedication paid off as they successfully intercepted and seized a significant number of contraband goods, valiantly defending the nation’s economy.
“A total of 79 seizures were made, amounting to a staggering duty paid value of N1,025,905,110. The intercepted items were found to contravene numerous sections of the country’s laws, including guidelines on importation/exportation of goods, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification, and smuggling. Notable among the seizures were 6,861 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to 12 trailer loads, 1,236 jerry cans of petroleum, 9,857 parcels of cannabis sativa, 2 shipments of unprocessed wood, 4 units of used vehicles (Tokunbo), 40 jerry cans of vegetable oil, and 54 bales of second-hand clothing.
“The successful operations carried out by the Customs Unit led to the arrest of four suspects in connection with the intercepted goods.
Furthermore, the Federal High Court in Abeokuta-Ogun played its part in ensuring justice by sentencing Musa Oloyede, Fishing Godwin David, and Adeniyi Alaye to two years imprisonment for assaulting customs officers while they were carrying out their statutory duties. Such verdicts reinforce the notion that law enforcement agencies will not tolerate any interference or violence against those responsible for upholding the law.
“A matter of grave concern was the seizure of 9,857 parcels of cannabis sativa, a controlled plant with proven links to increased rates of violent crime, particularly among the youth.
Recognizing the social impact of this illicit substance, the Customs Unit has intensified efforts to sever the supply chain of illicit drugs and other prohibited substances”
The fight against smuggling transcends economic implications and highlights the connection between security challenges and illegal trade. It is a battle that demands collective action from all patriotic Nigerians,” he said.
Ejibunu earnestly urged every citizen to engage in the battle against smuggling by actively sharing valuable information with authorities, encouraging Nigerians to contribute towards reducing the detrimental effects of smuggling.
“Smuggling not only undermines the nation’s economy but also fuels insecurity and other criminal activities.
Consequently, the perpetrators must be considered common enemies of the land, and it is the responsibility of every citizen to stand united in the fight against them,”
As a testament to their commitment and success, he invites all interested individuals to visit the government warehouse to witness the seizures made during the period under review.
