By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made significant strides in its anti-smuggling campaign, seizing contraband goods worth over ₦1.18 billion within a span of six weeks.
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The Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, who disclosed this on Tuesday, during a press briefing at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, said the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos states.
The seizures, which include 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to eight trailer loads, along with other contraband items, were made through intelligence-driven operations across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos states. This success is a testament to the Unit’s commitment to enforcing trade laws and protecting the nation’s economy.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures stood at ₦1,188,830,600.00, reflecting the scale and intensity of ongoing enforcement efforts.
The seized items include 15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles, 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing about 431.8kg, 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (11,500 litres), 143 bales of used clothing, 390 bottles of Codeine, foreign-branded drugs, 19 cards of Tramadol, 210 used tyres, and a 20-foot container of Calcium Lactate intercepted for false declaration. These seizures demonstrate the Unit’s resolve to confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine federal government policies.
Four suspects were arrested in connection with the operations and would be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
This development is a significant breakthrough in the fight against smuggling, as it demonstrates the Unit’s commitment to holding those responsible for smuggling activities accountable. The apprehension of the suspects also sends a strong warning to economic saboteurs that the Unit will not tolerate their activities.
Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu reiterated the Service’s commitment to enforcing the federal government’s ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders, warning that “selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction will face dire consequences.”
He emphasized that the Unit will continue to inflict heavy losses on smugglers who engage in ill-fated missions. The warning is a clear message to smugglers that the Unit will not tolerate their activities and will take all necessary measures to prevent them.
In demonstrating inter-agency collaboration, Shuaibu handed over the seized Cannabis Sativa and pharmaceutical products to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively. This collaboration demonstrates the Unit’s commitment to working with other agencies to prevent the proliferation of illicit substances and protect the nation’s health.
The Unit recovered ₦39,269,688.71 through demand notices and enforcement actions against importers who engaged in under-valuation and other forms of duty evasion. This recovery reflects the Unit’s vigilance in plugging revenue leakages and ensuring that importers adhere strictly to valuation standards. The revenue recovery is a significant achievement, as it demonstrates the Unit’s commitment to ensuring that the government receives its due revenue.
Comptroller Shuaibu reaffirmed the Customs Service’s zero tolerance for smuggling, assuring that legitimate traders would continue to enjoy smooth operations. He emphasized that the Unit will sustain its crackdown on smugglers and economic saboteurs, ensuring that those who engage in illicit activities face the consequences of their actions.
“The commitment to sustained vigilance is a promise from the NCS that it will continue to work tirelessly to prevent smuggling activities and protect the nation’s economy and security”
Shuaibu assured legitimate traders that they would continue to enjoy smooth operations, emphasizing that the Unit’s efforts are targeted at smugglers and economic saboteurs.
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He encouraged legitimate traders to continue to engage in lawful trade, reassuring them that the Unit will provide a level playing field for them to operate. The call to legitimate traders is a reassurance from the NCS that it is committed to facilitating legitimate trade and protecting the nation’s economy.
