Customs : Western Marine Command Makes Major Seizure of Smuggled Goods Worth N352M

By Sandra Chukwunyere

 The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday said it has made fresh seizures of prohibited goods worth N352,952,200 in the Lagos waterways.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing held at the Command, Ibafon- Apapa, Lagos,  the Customs Area Controller(CAC) Comptroller Patrick Ntadi said that the recent operation was part of the Command’s continuous efforts to safeguard the nation’s borders, protect the economy, and uphold the rule of law.

Comptroller Ntadi emphasized that security lapses can no longer be taken lightly, especially at a time when Nigeria is grappling with multiple security challenges.

He noted that over the past few weeks, the Command’s officers, known for their discipline and dedication, had carried out a series of targeted operations along maritime routes.

These efforts led to the interception of several illegal shipments and smuggled goods, which pose serious threats to the country’s economic stability and social well-being.

Among the seized items were 2,017 bags of foreign parboiled rice, valued at N212,995,200; seven sacks of 50kg sugar, valued at N672,000; seventy-two rolls of foreign plain textile material, with a DPV of N71,280,000; and 481 loaves of cannabis sativa, with a DPV of N50,505,000.

 In addition, nine boats—comprising both fibre and wooden constructions were confiscated and valued at N17,500,000.

The CAC stated that this marks a significant blow to criminal networks engaged in smuggling and illegal trade, and it demonstrates the Command’s commitment to ensuring that only lawful commerce thrives within the country.

He attributed the Command’s performance to the encouragement and backing from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi.The Command’s success was also attributed to enhanced intelligence gathering, improved synergy with other security agencies such as the Nigerian Navy, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Marine Police, and the Nigeria Immigration Service, as well as the deployment of more patrol vessels across the coastlines and inland waterways

Ntadi further stressed the importance of staying vigilant and continuously adapting strategies to counter the changing tactics of smugglers.

He urged members of the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities along the waterways, emphasizing that collective vigilance is crucial to maintaining economic integrity and public order.

Ntadi expressed deep appreciation to Comptroller-General Adeniyi and his management team for their instrumental role in providing the necessary resources and equipment that empowered the Western Marine Command to succeed in its operations.

This support, he said, has created an environment where legitimate trade can flourish without fear of criminal interference.