National security : Customs at FOU Zone ‘A’ intercepts 3,116 cutlasses in the bush

National security :
Customs at FOU Zone ‘A’ intercepts 3,116 cutlasses in the bush

* Records N671.6million seizures

*Arrests 11 suspects

Apparently, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), of Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Compt Hussein Ejibunu and his gallant officers are battle-ready for economic saboteurs, as they seized 3,116 cutlasses in the bush within Idiroko axis of Ogun State.

Compt Ejibunu, unveiled the 3,116 cutlasses wrapped in cartons before reporters. He expressed strong displeasure that such items can pose a threat to national security, if allowed to get into wrong hands.

The Unit also apprehended 11 suspects in connection to some of the seizures.

Compt Ejibunu, who has been fearless, resolute and undeterred in the fight against smuggling within the South-West, said his Unit will sustain the onslaught against smugglers sabotaging the nation’s economy for selfish interest.

He frowned :  “Smuggling in whatever guise is illegal activity, which constitutes a serious crime against Customs extant laws and the economy at large.

“Primarily, smuggling compromises national security and robs the nation of its revenue. This consequently has adverse affects on the provision of basic amenities and social services to the citizens. Also, smuggling is capable of destroying our health through importation of fake, expired and other dangerous drugs.”

While taking reporters round the premises where items were displayed, Compt Ejibunu said the large quantities of seizures showcased worth over N671.6million in Duty Paid Value (DPV).

The seized items recorded in October 2022, include 7,403 bags of foreign rice (50kg each); 53,759 litres of petrol; 121 cartons of frozen poultry products; 724 bales of secondhand clothes; three units of used motorcycles; 97 used tyres; 162 (96kg) parcels of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp); 11 jerrycans of vegetable oil (25litres each) ; 13 used fridges; 700 rolls of cigarettes; nine units of vehicles; containers of charcoal and other prohibited items.

Responding to questions from Journalists, the CAC explained that the banned items
were seized along the port corridors and border axis within their area of responsibility.

Recall that only last month, the same Unit showcased mind-boggling seizures of Military Camouflage bags, pump action rifle, locally made guns and 35 lives cartridges and other items seized from smugglers, worth over N622.4million.

More so, the CAC revealed that a
total of 15 containers were seized following various infractions. Three out of the15 containers had been examined and Demand Notices (DN) were raised because of wrong classification. At present, the importers are yet to show up for the remaining 12 containers still at the Unit.

Also, the Unit through meticulous documentary checks made huge revenue recovery of N42,320,098.00 within the same month under review.