Compt Shuaibu, the unbeatable anti-smuggling czar strikes again

Compt Shuaibu, the unbeatable anti-smuggling czar strikes again
…Seizes consignments of donkey skin, other items worth N3.1bn
…Arrests 4 suspects

The Customs Area Controller of Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone ‘B’, Kaduna, Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, has again demonstrated his unbeatable and uncompromising anti-smuggling skills, as he intercepted consignments of Donkey bones and meat, as well as other prohibited items worth over N3.1billion.

Compt Shuaibu and his enforcement officers swiftly arrested four suspects in connection with the seizures.

It is pertinent to mention that this giant stride by Ahmadu Shuaibu in making seizures of N3billion is the second anti-smuggling break through he recorded in just one month of taking over the leadership of FOU Zone ‘B’, as the new Area Controller. Recall that only two weeks ago, Compt Shuaibu’s team trailed and apprehended a suspect, who impersonated a Customs officer
and obtained money under false pretence from unsuspecting members of the public.

Addressing reporters during a press conference held in Kaduna, yesterday, Tuesday, May 21, 2024,
Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu frowned at activities of economic saboteurs engaging in illicit trade of
endangered species.

His assertions : “You are welcome to today’s brief interaction on activities of the Unit from 17th April to 17th May 2024. Of great importance is the interception of illegal products of
Donkey, perpetrated by some unscrupulous elements with no regard for the lives and preservation of endangered species like the Donkey, which is near extinction.

“It is therefore with a personal sense of sadness to announce that our officers and men on two separate occasions, impounded consignments of Donkey bones and Donkey meat, respectively, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of about N3billion.”

The unbeatable anti-smuggling Czar informed : “On April 25, 2024, operatives of the Unit acting on credible intelligence intercepted one truck with Registration Number GGE 526 XL, along Sokoto/Gusau Road in Zamfara State conveying illicit goods, which were brought to Kaduna for further examination.

“Upon careful examination, the truck was discovered to be conveying 750 sacks of Donkey bones. The DPV for the Donkey bones was estimated at N2, 363,500,000.00 billion. It would interest you to know that one suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.

“Again, on May 5, 2024, at about 0310hrs, the operatives of the Unit intercepted two Canter Trucks carrying dried Donkey meat along Kontagora – Tegina Road in Niger State. After 100% physical examination, the trucks were found to contain 860 sacks of dried Donkey meat. Three suspects were also arrested in connection with the seizure.”

Compt Ahmadu Shuaibu stressed : “The above illegal trading clearly contravenes Section 55 (1) paragraph C and i (1) of the NCS Act 2023 which says that ‘Import and Exports shall where applicable be subject to prohibitions and restrictions relating to (C). The protection of health and life of humans, animals, or plants;
(i) Controlled goods imported or exported in line with relevant International laws, conventions and agreements (1) relevant International laws, Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).”

He pointed out : “Government is concerned that Donkeys are part of rare animals that are being driven towards extinction by activities of unscrupulous elements, and Nigeria is signatory to the international convention for prevention of endangering these species. Therefore, the Unit and indeed the Nigeria Customs Service will not allow this illegal trade to continue”.

The Area Controller explained : “Another concern is the seizure of 58,740 sachets of tramadol and 48,000 Anelgin injection intercepted
by operatives of the Unit, on May 2, 2024, at about 1130hrs, along Saminaka/Nimbiya/Kafanchan axis of Kaduna state.”

He continued : “These illicit drugs were neatly concealed with motor spare parts, but our eagle-eye was able to catch up with them. The DPV of these illicit drugs is N167.5million.

“Other items intercepted by the Unit within the period under review include the following:
12 vehicles (means of conveyance);
174 Bags of Foreign Rice (50 kg each);
234 Jerry cans of PMS (25 litres each);
109 bales of second hand clothings;
367 cartons of Spaghetti:
50 cartons of Macaroni; and
47 Jerry cans of foreign vegetable.

“Other items seized are: six sacks of used shoes; 100 sacks of snuff; 30 bags of foreign sugar (25kg each) ;
2,255 cartons of herbicide chemical;
10 cartons of foreign couscous;
235 Bags of Foreign flour (25kg each); and over 100 cartons of general goods.
The total DPV of the seized items is N3,175,084,217.75 (approximately N3.2billion)”.

His words :  “Let me at this point say that the officers and men of the Unit are focused, committed and prepared to continue to carry out their assignments with utmost sense of courtesy and unwavering professionalism.

“The success we are showcasing today is therefore a demonstration of our collective determination to continue to carry out our duty with undivided attention, and without fear or favour. Those who wish to try our resolve should have a rethink, as we shall be unsparing in implementing the laws and policy directives of the Federal Government as directed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team.

“Anti-smuggling initiative is fast going beyond old traditional physical measures, the NCS has sharpened its skills in intelligence gathering through improved information technology kits. The era of exclusively mounting checkpoint is long gone, as our Enforcement Unit are up to date in the deployment of ICT assisted intelligence gathering and strategies to achieve our mandate.

“Let me use this medium to update the public about the suspect arrested for impersonation in Sokoto, the law has taken its course on him. I want to specially appreciate the leadership of the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command of the Service and the Customs Police Unit for their efforts in assisting the Unit to take the Service to greater height.”

More so, Compt Shuaibu remains resolute and highly committed to the service of his fatherland.