The Comptroller of Customs FOU Zone A, Mohammed Shuaibu (2nd from the right displaying the seized items, Deputy Controller of Narcotics, NDLEA Lagos State Command, Abdul Maiyaki ist from right); with other stakeholders during a press briefing in Lagos.
By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja has reiterated its commitment to combating smuggling and revenue evasion to facilitating legitimate trade.
The unit made significant seizures of used vehicles, foreign parboiled rice, narcotics, and other contrabands worth over N1.28 billion. The seizures were made in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states as part of the efforts to curtail criminal activities, threatening Nigeria’s economy and national security.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) FOU Zone A, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, on Tuesday, June 3disclosed this while displaying the seized items to journalists at the Customs warehouse in Ikeja. He said the seizures were made possible through the unit’s intensified efforts to combat smuggling and revenue evasion.
Among the seized items are 11 used vehicles, commonly referred to as “combo” vehicles, and two 40-foot containers loaded with vehicles and goods smuggled in a bid to evade customs duties. The containers held seven Mitsubishi Cantas, five Toyota buses, and three Mini buses, alongside other contraband items.
The unit also seized a Mercedes-Benz truck carrying 1,665 kg of cannabis sativa hidden in its compartment, with one suspect arrested. Other seized items include 2,051 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 4,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and 312 bales of printed wax.
Shuaibu said the seized items have a duty paid value (DPV) of over N1.28 billion. He added that the unit has recorded 46 interceptions across Lagos and border corridors in the southwest, leading to significant losses for economic saboteurs.
The CAC emphasized that the unit is committed to plugging revenue leakages. He said the unit recovered N48.04 million through demand notices issued for improperly declared consignments.
9 Seven suspects were arrested in connection with the various seizures. Shuaibu said the unit would continue to… intensify its efforts to combat smuggling and revenue evasion.
The Deputy Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State, Abdul Maiyaki, expressed satisfaction with the high-level inter-agency collaboration between NDLEA and Customs.
He assured that the NDLEA would intensify enforcement and collaborative efforts to curb the influx of drugs into the country.
The CAC emphasized that the unit is committed to plugging revenue leakages. He said the unit recovered N48.04 million through demand notices issued for improperly declared consignments.
9 Seven suspects were arrested in connection with the various seizures.
Shuaibu said the unit would continue to intensify its efforts to combat smuggling and revenue evasion.
“The seizures are a significant blow to economic saboteurs who are bent on bringing the country to its knees. Shuaibu said the unit’s efforts would continue to impact positively on the economy”
