Notably, 60% of these seizures occurred within the past year alone, This recent surge accounts for 34.67% of the total DPV, 20.58% of the arms seized, and a staggering 99.62% of the ammunition intercepted over the six-year period. These statistics not only highlight the intensification of our efforts but also reveal the evolving tactics employed by smugglers attempting to breach our borders

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi has revealed how the service successfully foiled multi billion worth of illicit items in 6 years, making life miserable for unscrupulous elements, who are bent on destroying the economy.

Speaking at a press briefing held on Wednesday in Ikeja, Lagos, Adeniyi revealed that since 2018 the Service has intercepted 20 major shipments containing a staggering 10,498 arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N9.58 billion by intensifying it’s enforcement activities.

CGC Adeniyi disclosed that the Service deployed fresh approach towards fulfilling its mandate of balancing revenue collection, facilitating trade and ensuring compliance with the relevant laws.

“Nigeria, in the past year faced several challenges just to deliver the dividend of democracy and good governance under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and in alignment with this administration’s progressive policies, Nigeria Customs Service adopted fresh approach towards fulfilling our mandate of balancing revenue collection, facilitating trade and ensuring compliance with the relevant laws.

“We have moved from a reactive lance to a proactive posture, from isolated efforts to integrated strategies and from a purely enforcement-driven approach to one that balances compliance facilitation with robust security measures.

“Our new strategy is multifaceted, focusing on consolidating previous gains, fostering unprecedented collaboration with stakeholders, and integrating cutting-edge innovations into our operations.

“We are rewriting the playbook on revenue collection, trade facilitation, and regulatory compliance, while strengthening our role as the vanguard against societal threats. This evolution aims to serve the best interests of Nigeria especially in these times of economic adjustment, where our citizens grapple with inflationary pressures triggered by efforts to manage exchange rate challenges.

“We now lean more towards persuasion than punishment, employing soft power over hardline tactics. This strategy is necessary considering the current realities faced by Nigerians. However, I want to emphasize that our resolve to protect Nigeria’s borders and interests remains in clad. We are more re-positioned than ever to adopt a more carrot-oriented approach in carrying out our operations, using soft power rather than a hardcore stick approach.

“The challenges we face are formidable and multifaceted. Unscrupulous elements seek to exploit our current economic situation, engaging in smuggling activities that threaten the very fabric of our society. From arms and ammunition to narcotics, from restricted pharmaceuticals to staple foods, and even to our precious fuel resources – the spectrum of illicit trade is vast and varied. What is even more disturbing is the fact that these activities have been linked to clusters of criminal networks that seek to cause pains to Nigerians,” he stated.

Speaking further, Adeniyi emphasized that the scale and sophistication of the illicit activities are alarming saying, “Since 2018, the NCS has intercepted 20 significant shipments, comprising 10,498 pieces of various arms and 114,929 pieces of ammunition, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of 9.58 billion Naira. Notably, 60% of these seizures occurred within the past year alone, This recent surge accounts for 34.67% of the total DPV, 20.58% of the arms seized, and a staggering 99.62% of the ammunition intercepted over the six-year period. These statistics not only highlight the intensification of our efforts but also reveal the evolving tactics employed by smugglers attempting to breach our borders.

“In response to this escalating threat, we recently declared a state of emergency, particularly following significant seizures of restricted goods, including pharmaceuticals and medicaments.

The intricate connections between these diverse smuggling activities and the networks facilitating them are now the primary focus of our strategic operations, such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting.

These among other initiatives represent the multifaceted approach adopted by NCS to fortify our operations and safeguard Nigeria’s health and security interests,” he stressed.

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