Customs at Oyo/Osun Command hits N4.9bn in January 2021 * Records N393.4m seizures

Customs at Oyo/Osun Command hits N4.9bn in January 2021

*Records N393.4m seizures

(By Udeme Clement ):

The Oyo/Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Service has generated N4.8billion- (N4.895,772,769.90), approximately N4.9billion revenue for the Federal Government.

The new Customs Area Controller (CAC), of the Command, Comptroller A. R. ABDULKADIR, disclosed this to reporters in Ibadan.

According to him, the huge revenue collection was realised in January 2021, through hard work and resilience of Officers, despite the fact that economic activities are usually slow in the first month of the year.

On anti-smuggling drive, he said, “From
November 19, 2020 to January 1, 2021, the Command made series of detentions and seizures amounting to a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N393.4million.

“Within the period under review, the Command seized 220 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), (otherwise known as Petrol). Upon approval lfrom the Headquarters, it would be auctioned and the proceeds remitted accordingly.

“The Command, through its eagle-eye was also able to sniff 20kg of Cannabis Sativa, with street Value of
₦4.5million.

“This would be subsequently handed over to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, for further investigation.”

The CAC went on, “Other seizures include:
3052 bags of foreign rice worth over ₦124.4milion.
Vegetable Oil worth ₦217,251.00.
60 bales of Secondhand Clothings with DPV of ₦15million.
246 pieces of Used Tyres with DPV of more than ₦2.6million.

“Others include eight  units of Toyota Camry (2020 Models) with DPV of ₦211.5million.  One used Toyota Highlander (2019 Model) with DPV of
₦33.7million. 10 units of Motorcycles used as means of conveyance for
smuggling of foreign rice, with DPV of ₦1.2million.

“Within this period, one used Mercedes Benz ML350( 2014 Model), was intercepted and placed under detention pending provision of Customs document.

“Two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures”.

He enthused, “These feats were made possible by vigilant and resilient Officers of our Command.

“They have given their best and shown that their enlistment into Nigeria Customs is well-deserved”.

His words:
“Let me acknowledge the assistance given to the Command by
Customs Intelligence Unit, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Strike-Force,
Customs Police and Joint Border Patrol Team, the support from other sister agencies like Police,DSS, Nigerian Army, Oyo State Operation Burst, among others.

“I equally thank traditional rulers, community leaders and the good people of Oyo/Osun States for their support.

“Gentle men of the press, you are highly regarded in the society, please keep it up”.