Ibrahim Tanko raises alarm over criminal activities at seaport

(Written by Asuquo Nuwak)

A Frontline Freight Forwarder and National Co-ordinator of NAGAFF 100% Compliance Team, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, has raised alarm over alleged criminal activities at designated areas within the port

He observed that some people sleep at APMT Platform at night and play football at the terminal after working hours, which leads to criminal activities, ranging from broaching of containers to looting of cargo.

He made this known to journalists after a brief security meeting, held at the office of Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Yusuf Ibrahim Malanta.

According to him, the meeting was held to find lasting solutions to security issues within APMT terminal at the port.

He recalled how a freight forwarder was traced to his house and shot by unknown person. In the process, the criminal lost his phone and was traced through police report to a worker sleeping at APMT Platform.

In his response, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA) noted that a “Joint
Security Patrol, comprising NPA, NDLEA, Customs, NAFDAC and the Police would be formed to Patrol the port at night, to enable them fish out the criminals.

He recalled how his life has been threatened several times by criminals in the course of performing his statutory duty at the port. He promised to do the needful despite the challenges ahead of him.

It was concluded at the Security Meeting that it was an “organised” crime, adding that some of the looted items from the containers were tramadol.

In his response, Comptroller Mallanta, commended Ibrahim Tanko for his efforts in calling for the security meeting.
He noted that the Apapa Command, had already taken steps to reduce crowd at the examination bay by way of introducing ” Customs Permit Tag”.

He further disclosed that no Customs Officer would be allowed access to the examination bay without wearing Customs Permit Tag,
The Tag, according to him, will carry Customs Officer’s name and picture.
Again, Customs has also introduced another ID Card Tag for clearing agents to access examination bay.