Anti-smuggling onslaught :  Eastern Marine Customs seizes 2 trailers of yam tubers for illegal exportation through the creeks, contraband worth N250million

Anti-smuggling onslaught :  Eastern Marine Customs seizes 2 trailers of yam tubers for illegal exportation through the creeks, contraband worth N250million
…Arrests 5 suspects

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Eastern Marine Command (EMC), has unleashed its anti-smuggling onslaught against illicit traders on waterways, with a mind-boggling seizure of two trailers loaded with yam tubers recorded as the outcome.

The Command intercepted the yam tubers and other assorted items loaded in boats, intended for illegal exportation through the creeks and waterways to Cameroon, with a monetary value of over N250million.

The use of credible intelligence and swift intervention by the Command paved the way for the arrest of 5 suspects in connection with the seized items; even as the Command prevented the goods from being exported out of the shores of Nigeria through the back-door.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Mike Ugbagu, disclosed these details in a chat with newsmen in Port Hacourt, emphasising that his Command is very vigilant and will not hesitate to seize prohibited items and arrest smugglers trying to sabotage the nation’s economy.

Our News inquest revealed that Compt Ugbagu has stepped up security surveillance on the creeks and Eastern waterways to thwart nefarious activities of economic saboteurs within his area of responsibilities.

Speaking further on export procedures, the Area Controller explained;  “Proper documentations are required and adherence to export procedures which entails processing Nigeria export proceeds Form ( form NXP) through authorised dealer bank, obtaining clean certificate of inspection from the preshipment Agents. Along with other relevant documents, the exporter or his agent will then prepare and submit export declaration before the goods are released for export after customs inspection.”

The CAC expressed strong displeasure over activities of illicit traders along the waterways. He pointed out; “Loading Boats with all manners of goods and trying to take them outside the country through the creeks without proper documentation is smuggling and the smugglers willl face the wrath of the law. This illicit transborder trade will not be condoned by the Eastern Marine Command.

“We are working in tandem with the vision of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, to protect the economic environment from antics of saboteurs and safeguard national security at all times.

“The NCS Act 2023 section 148 specified the procedures for export and the carriage of goods coastwise . Section 150 of NCS CEMA ACT as amended is also clear on penalties for improper exportation of goods .”

The CAC said emphatically that continuous surveillance of the creeks and waterways by officers and men of Eastern Marine Command resulted in that spectacular seizure. He added : “The surveillance is actually made possible following strategic steps taken by the Customs management in providing fast logistics boats and gun boats for water patrols at the creeks of Eastern Marine Command.

Also, giving more information on the Command’s anti- smuggling activities between January and February 2024, Compt Ugbagu said :  “Within this period under review, the Command made seizures of 16 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 23 Jumbo sacks of used shoes; 150 bags of 50kg foreign rice; 432 used tyres; two trailer loads of yam tubers were impounded with a duty paid value of over 250 million.

“In addition, five suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures and were granted administrative bail while the legal team will continue with the prosecution process.”

Compt Ugbagu attributed the feats recorded so far to continuous surveillance, as well as strategic efforts of Eastern Marine operatives, who doggedly patrol the creeks and waterways at routine basis to enforce fiscal policies compliance and national security.

He stresed the importance of patriotism, especially in safeguarding essential commodities during time of food shortages in the Country.