By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against smuggling activities, seizing a total of 86 sacks of stolen Ammonium Sulphate and Polypropylene valued at ₦4.5 million.
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The Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Patrick Ntadi disclosed this on Thursday in press briefing,Lagos.
Comptroller Ntadi said ” This dangerous substance, commonly used in making explosives and fertilizer plants, was intercepted on the water after it was stolen from a boat taking it to a fertilizer plant.
“The Command’s success is a testament to its enhanced surveillance and intelligence gathering capabilities”
The seized items include 86 sacks of stolen Ammonium Sulphate and Polypropylene valued at ₦4.5 million, which can be used in making explosives and fertilizer production. This dangerous substance was intercepted on water after being stolen from a boat transporting it to a fertilizer plant.
Other seized items include [1,312 loaves of foreign Cannabis Sativa worth ₦232.8 million, 1,827 bags of foreign parboiled rice valued at ₦204.6 million, and 174 sacks of Amsul worth ₦15.6 million].
The Command also seized 42 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth ₦1.94 million, 14 boat engines valued at ₦73.3 million, 11 fiber boats worth ₦46.2 million, and three wooden boats valued at ₦3.15 million.
The total value of the seizures is ₦582.2 million, a significant blow to smuggling activities in the region.
Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, who has been at the helm of the Command for some months, has made significant strides in enhancing the Command’s operations.
He has overseen the evacuation of hoodlums from areas outside the perimeter fence and constructed a new security post at the Command gate.
The Command has also installed a large signpost to enhance its identity and undertaken greenfield landscaping to improve its professional image.
To boost operations, Comptroller Ntadi has refurbished two patrol vehicles to enhance land-side logistics and crew efficiency.
The Command has also provided modern toilet facilities and a canteen to improve staff morale and working conditions.
These initiatives align with the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
The event also featured the decoration of 28 senior Officers and 8 junior Officers, including the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Okopi.
The CAC urged the newly promoted officers to uphold professionalism and integrity in their new roles. The promotion is a testament to the command’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence.
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The Command has also handed over 1,312 loaves of foreign Cannabis Sativa to the Commander, Apapa Strategic Command of NDLEA, ACGN Obadiah Buba Wakawa. Wakawa commended Compteller Ntadi and his men for their good work, saying that only God could know the damage the hard drugs would have caused if they had escaped into the society.
