ZAINAB JUNAID
Exactly one week in office as Acting Customs Area Controller, DC Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu has again unleashed mayhem on economic Saboteurs, in Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Services, seized 1,128 Parcels of Cannabis, 2,169 Bags of Rice, Others, worth total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N229,112,424.00.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to Transit Newsng by the Command’s Spokesman CSC HB Oloyede on Thursday.
According to the statement, DC Shuaibu attributed the successful seizures to strategic intelligence gathering, surveillance, and collaboration with patriotic Nigerians, underscoring the support and leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
DC Shuaibu and his team addressing journalists at a maiden press briefing held in the Command on Thursday.
During a maiden press briefing held at the Command’s Headquarters on Thursday, 19 December 2024, DC Shuaibu informed that the items were intercepted at key smuggling hotspots, including Idiroko, Ilaro, the Alamal-Rounda axis, Obada Oko-Abeokuta axis, Abule Kazeem-Abeokuta axis, and Ijoun axis, among others.
He emphasized his commitment to professionalism, integrity, and a renewed focus in curbing smuggling activities in the region.
While Highlighting the seizures made within the past few days, he noted that 2,169 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each; 1,128 parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, weighing 1,109.3kg; 21 bales and 2 sacks of used clothes; 166 pieces of pneumatic tyres; 4,360 cartons of imported shoes; 250 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), each weighing 25 litres; 20 units of vehicles used for smuggling; 1 unit of foreign-used vehicle, a 2012 model Toyota Highlander, were seized.
He further emphasized on the significance of the key seizures saying, “The illegal importation of rice undermines Nigeria’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and disrupts local rice production. Smuggling of this staple is viewed as economic sabotage, and the Command remains steadfast in its resolve to bring perpetrators to justice.
“Cannabis Sativa- The smuggling of cannabis poses severe risks to public health and safety, fueling criminal activities and jeopardizing community well-being. The Ogun I Command is working closely with other security agencies to eliminate this menace.
“Used Clothes. The importation of used clothes is prohibited due to health hazards and its negative impact on the local textile industry, which has the potential to create jobs for millions of Nigerians”.
DC Mohammed Salisu equally issued a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators, urging them to desist from illegal activities or face the full weight of the law.
He assured patriotic citizens and legitimate traders in the State that the Command’s operations are targeted exclusively at offenders, and that legitimate trade would be encouraged to foster economic growth.
While expressing gratitude to the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management team for the opportunity of making him an Area Controller, he pledged to continue to deploy measures that align with the CGC’s thrust and also commended Officers and Men of the Ogun I Command for their dedication and resilience, urging them to remain vigilant and disciplined.
He urged the media to continue their critical role in educating the public on dangers of smuggling and economic sabotage, adding “Together, we will safeguard our economy, protect our communities, ensure we achieve the set mandate and uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service”.
