Anti-smuggling war : Ogun 1 Customs Command makes N4.9bn seizures

Anti-smuggling war :
Ogun 1 Customs Command makes N4.9bn seizures

…Seizures include16,224 jerrycans of petrol, 73 trailer loads of rice, 3,629 tyres; ​2,250 packets of tramadol; others

The Ogun 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has made the Nigerian nation proud with laudable feats recorded in anti-smuggling operations. The Command through increased surveillance and patrol duties along the creeks and border areas intercepted prohibited items worth over N4,886,647,654.92 (approximately N4.9billion) in Duty Paid Value, DPV.

The Command also generated N58, 676,751.00 (approximately N58.7million) through import duties and auction sales of Petroleum products (PMS), from February to 6th December, 2022, which is the period under review.

The seizures include 44,933 bags of smuggled foreign rice (50kg each), an equivalence of 73 trailer loads; 99
vehicles used as means of conveyance, including 2020 model Wrangler Jeep with chasis no IC4HJXDN6LW161338 and six units of trucks used as means of conveyance.

Others were 31 units of compressors​; ​16,224 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 19 units of Motorcycle used for conveyance ; 517 bales /219 sacks of secondhand clothes; ​3,629 used tyres; ​4,700 bags of cement; three bales/384 used bags; 41 sacks/940 wraps of Cannabis Sativa; 170 cartons of poultry products; 191 vehicle compressors; 2,250 packets of Tramadol; 222 refrigerator-compressors; 220 bottles/867 cartons of foreign wine; ​277 pairs/320 sacks and 120 cartons of foreign shoes; 89 bales and 485 foreign textile materials, as well as 302 sacks of foreign corn.

Displaying the mind-boggling seizures before Journalists during press conference yesterday, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Compt Bamidele Makinde, informed: “We were able to record the above-mentioned seizures with intensive round-the-clock surveillance and patrol activities aided by effective deployment of intelligence.

“The Command makes adequate use of intelligence to aid its operations. These are done in accordance with various sections of Customs and Excise Management Act. (CEMA). For instance, Section 147 of CEMA Cap C45 Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, empowers Customs operatives to search premises. These premises are those suspected to have been used to conceal smuggled, prohibited, restricted or dutiable goods.”

The CAC emphasised; “Section 148 empowers officers to search licensed premises, Section 150 gives power to search persons and Section 158 gives power to officers of the service to patrol freely. Section 167 also gives power to detain and make seizures, Section 149 gives power to search vehicles and aircrafts; Section 8 gives Customs Officers the same power as the Police with regards to enforcement duties.”

Compt Makinde explained; “In the wake of anti-smuggling operations conducted within this period under review in different parts of Ogun State, including the creeks, border lines, approved and unapproved routes, the Command recorded a total of 842 seizures”.

Giving more details on revenue collection for the Federal Government, Compt Makinde pointed out;  “The activities from which the Command generates revenue includes importation and exportation of goods under ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and assessment of merchandise in baggage. It also generates revenue from auction sales of perishable or highly combustible goods such as Premium Motor Spirit.

“The Command has the mandate of generating revenue, suppressing smuggling activities, facilitating trade, among others”.

His assertions :  “It is important to note that activities embarked upon by the Command are patriotic-driven and in the interest of economic development and national security. Operatives of Nigeria Customs Service armed with this awareness, will continue to carry out their legitimate duties as prescribed by law.”

He enthused; “I wish to appreciate the continuous support of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Hameed Ibrahim Ali and his management team, as well as our gallant officers and men. It is my pleasure to also appreciate our critical stakeholders such as the traditional rulers, community leaders, and other security agencies who are showing concern and collaborating with the Service for their continuous support. May I also thank and appreciate the press for being objective in their news report.”

OBSERVATION :
“Our correspondent noted that the period under review was characterised by intense anti-smuggling activities with laudable feats made by the Command.
Compt Makinde and his officers displayed resilience and doggedness, as they valiantly protected the nation’s economy from nefarious activities of economic saboteurs.