Harmful Substances, Others Worth Over N557 Million
ZAINAB JUNAID
In recognition of the magnitude of smuggling activities in the Country and its impact on the economy, the Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Area Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu has read riot act to obstinately disobedient smugglers that they will never go unpunished with their nefarious activities as they will be smoked out from their hidden place.
Comptroller Shuaibu condemned the unpatriotic attitude of the smugglers as operatives of the Command made another unprecedented seizures of life threatening ammunition, harmful substance and other illicit items worth over N557 million.
In a statement made available to transit news on Saturday by the Command’s spokesman, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hammed Oloyede, the Controller warned that the smugglers’ days are numbered as the Service will not relent in uncovering their antics and very soon will be arrested and be made to face full wrath of the law. “This is to ensure their activities are brought to the nearest minimum,” he said.
“Though their nefarious activities increases by the day, the Command’s Operatives are always at alert for them as they bear arms to protect their lives where and when necessary and any threat to the operatives lives will not be treated with levity.
“We are pleased to state that, in recent times, we carry out our operations with zero casualty and that is a great achievement in view of the circumstances. We value lives of our people and we try our best to safeguard it. I will like to state emphatically, that our operatives bear arms to protect their lives where and when necessary, any threat to their lives will not be treated with levity. Let me sound a note of warning to recalcitrant smugglers that their days are numbered. They will never go unpunished with their nefarious activities,” he stated.
Speaking further on the life threatening seizures recently intercepted, Comptroller Shuaibu informed that the Command’s operatives, while on anti-smuggling operation along the border line on Thursday 14 March 2024, intercepted smuggled 940 rounds of live ammunition ingeniously concealed in sacks of cassava flakes, fondly called Garri in local parlance.
He explained the circumstances that surrounded the operation saying the Command has been on its trail for more than 2 weeks, from the Republic of Benin, before it was eventually smuggled into the country.
The Controller noted that during the trail of the cartel, the intel received depicted the level of surveillance mounted and security beef-up by the unscrupulous elements, to safeguard the items and evade arrest. However, the superior security network of the Command eventually aided the seizure. Though the suspects escaped in the process, the illicit items were abandoned by the suspected smugglers who absconded in a bid to evade arrest.
He further informed that the Command also recorded seizures of 123 sacks and 3,172 parcels of cannabis sativa, fondly called Indian Hemp; 380 pieces of donkey skin; 304 bales of used clothes; and 910 cartons of frozen poultry products, among others. “These items were intercepted at the creeks, border lines and other strategic locations across Ogun State, through our intelligence network and 24 hours patrol/anti-smuggling activities by our operatives. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the total seizure amounted to N557,120,828.00,” he said .
While appealing to well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians to join forces with the Command in its fight against smuggling of harmful substance, light weapon, arms and ammunition, Comptroller Shuaibu underlined the great danger the seized items posed on national security as it has the potential of destroying lives and properties within shortest time possible.
He thus emphasized that the Command is open to receiving intel and assure prospective partners of maximum security. “Patriotic Nigerians are enjoined to join hands with the service to make our society a safe and peaceful place to live.”
On revenue generated for the period under review, the Area Controller disclosed that between January and March 14, 2024, the Command generated the total sum of N24,283,788 as revenue into government coffer noting that this was raised from baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products.
He concluded by appreciating the unwavering support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi MFR and his management team, which has significant enhanced the Command’s operations and contributed immensely to its achievements. Comptroller Shuaibu also commended efforts of his gallant operatives who made the seizures, as well as the concerted efforts of Customs Intelligence Unit and Customs Police Unit in enhancing the Command’s operations. He equally recognized and appreciated the collaborative efforts of the various sister agencies and other critical stakeholders. He specifically acknowledged the objectivity and professionalism displayed by media in their news coverage.
