ZAINAB JUNAID
The Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, Kaduna, of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, has attributed the successful seizures of Donkey parts, Sachets of Tramadol, Vehicles, Premium Motor Spirit(PMS) among others valued at Three Billion Naira Only, to Advance Anti-Smuggling Initiative.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the Unit’s Headquarters, Kaduna, on Tuesday 21 May 2024, Comptroller Shuaibu stressed that Anti-smuggling initiative is fast going beyond old traditional physical measures, as Nigeria Customs Service has sharpened its skill in intelligence gathering through improved information technology kits.
He said the era of exclusively mounting checkpoint is long gone, as the Enforcement Unit are up to date in the deployment of ICT assisted intelligence gathering and strategies to achieve the Service mandate.
According to him, Officers and Men of the Unit are focused, committed and prepared to continue to carry out their assignments with utmost sense of courtesy and unwavering professionalism.
“The success of the seizures we are showcasing today is a demonstration of our collective determination to continue to carry out our duty with undivided attention, and without fear or favour. Those who wish to try our resolve should have a rethink as we shall be unsparing in implementing the laws and policy directives of the Federal Government as directed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team,” he stated.
Giving a breakdown of the items seized between April 17 and May 17, 2024, the Unit’s Helmsman disclosed that 750 sacks of donkey bones valued at Two Billion, Three Hundred and Sixty Three Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N2,363,500,000.00) only and 860 sacks of Dried Donkey meat were intercepted on separate days with four suspects arrested in connection to the seizures.
To him, “On April 25, 2024, operatives of the Unit acting on credible intelligence intercepted One Truck with Registration Number GGE 526 XL along Sokoto/Gusau Road in Zamfara State conveying illicit goods which were brought to Kaduna for further examination.
“Upon careful examination, the truck was discovered to be conveying 750 sacks of donkey bones. The DPV for the donkey bones was estimated at Two Billion, Three Hundred and Sixty Three Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N2,363,500,000.00) only. One suspect was arrested in connection to this seizure.
“Again on May 5, 2024 at about 0310hrs, the operatives of the Unit intercepted Two (2) Canter Trucks carrying Dried Donkey Meat along Kontagora – Tegina Road in Niger State. After 100% physical examination the trucks were found to contain 860 sacks of Dried Donkey meat. Three (3) suspects were also arrested in connection with the seizure”.
Speaking further, “The seizure of 58,740 sachets of tramadol and 48,000 ampules of Analgin injection that was arrested by the operatives of the Unit on the 2nd of May 2024 at about 1130hrs along Saminaka/Nimbiya/Kafanchan axis of Kaduna state. These illicit drugs were neatly concealed with motor spare parts but our eagle eye was able to catch up with them. The DPV of these illicit drugs is One Hundred and Sixty-Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N167,500.00) only.
“Other items intercepted by the Unit within the period under review include the following: 12 vehicles (means of conveyance);174 Bags of Foreign Rice (50 kg each); 234 Jerry cans of PMS (25 litres each);109 bales of second hand clothing; 367 cartons of Spaghetti; 50 cartons of Macaroni; 47 Jerry cans of foreign vegetable oil; 6 sacks of used shoes; 100 sacks of snuff; 30 bags of foreign sugar (25kg each); 2,255 cartons of herbicide chemical;10 cartons of foreign couscous; 235 Bags of Foreign flour (25kg each) and Over 100 cartons of general goods”.
Comptroller Shuaibu noted that the Cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items is Three Billion, One Hundred and Seventy-Five Million, Eighty Four Thousand Naira, Two Hundred and Seventeen Naira and Seventy-Five Kobo (N 3,175,084,217.75) only.
He further explained that as far as the above highlighted illegal trading clearly contravene Section 55 (1) paragraph c and i (1) of the NCS Act 2023, the Unit and indeed Nigeria Customs Service will not allow it’s illegal trading to continue to take place in the Country.
He equally updated the public on the suspect arrested for impersonation in Sokoto, saying the law has taken its course on him. “I want to specially appreciate the leadership of Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command of the Service and the Customs Police Unit for their continued efforts in assisting the Unit to take the Service to greater height,” Comptroller Shuaibu concluded.
