In an impressive display of enforcement and revenue generation, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized contraband items valued at over ₦840 million and achieved a remarkable 272% increase in revenue collection for 2024, amounting to ₦2.63 billion.
Addressing Journalists at the Command in Lagos on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Timi Bomodi revealed significant anti-smuggling achievements from January to May, with contraband seizures valued at over ₦840 million.
During a media briefing, Comptroller Bomodi detailed the Command’s relentless efforts to curb smuggling activities, resulting in the interception of 474 consignments of contraband. These seizures include:12,448 jerrycans of PMS, equivalent to 8 tanker loads, 6,467 bags of rice, equivalent to 10 trailer loads,15 used vehicles, 1,251 parcels of cannabis sativa, 20 live parrots, 2 honey badgers, 2 pelican birds, 404 live tortoises, 3,023 items of general merchandise, 149 packages of codeine and 45 used tires
According to the CAC, The combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these intercepted items totals ₦840,003,646.00. The anti-smuggling operations led to the arrest of eighteen suspects, with eleven granted administrative bail, three handed over to the NDLEA, one to the Nigerian Police, and four remaining in custody. Notably, a notorious smuggler was apprehended, ending his reign of terror in the area.
Comptroller Bomodi highlighted the Command’s commitment to maintaining stringent anti-smuggling measures and ensuring the security and economic stability of the nation. The establishment of a complaint desk to address issues of female molestation along the corridor was also announced, with a promise of strict actions against any officer found guilty of such misconduct.
However, the Comptroller commended the support of other government agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy, for their crucial role in these successful operations. The collaborative efforts of these agencies have been instrumental in maintaining peace, safety, and security at the borders.
In his words “A total of Eighteen (18) suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures, Eleven (11) of them were granted administrative bails, three were handed over to NDLEA for further agency action, One was handed over to the Nigerian Police, while 4 suspects are still in our custody. Also recently arrested is a notorious smuggler whose reign of terror in this area has come to an end and will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“The Command has also set-up a complaint desk to address issues concerning the molestation of females on this corridor. We strongly frown at any act endangering the health and well-being of the vulnerable population of border stake-holders who go about their normal and legitimate businesses daily. Stringent action shall be taken against any officer of the any agency found guilty of molestation of any females on this corridor” Compt. Bomodi noted.
