Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a relentless pursuit against smuggling activities, the Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has once again dealt a blow to smugglers, seizing a significant cache of life-threatening ammunition and other prohibited items.
Speaking at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko on Friday, March 15, 2024, Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, revealed the recent successes in intercepting illegal goods.
According to Compt. Shuaibu, the Command’s operatives intercepted 940 rounds of live ammunition cleverly concealed within sacks of cassava flakes, locally known as garri, on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
This seizure came after a meticulous two-week operation tracking the smugglers from the Republic of Benin. Despite the smugglers’ attempts to evade arrest through heightened surveillance and security measures, the Command’s superior security network enabled the successful seizure of the ammunition, although the suspects managed to escape.
Compt. Shuaibu reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and combating smuggling activities, emphasizing that their operations prioritize zero casualties.
“The Command recorded the seizures of 123 sacks and 3,172 parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as Indian Hemp; 380 pieces of donkey skin; 304 bales of used clothes; and 910 cartons of frozen poultry products, among others.
” These items were intercepted at the creeks, border lines and other strategic locations across Ogun State, through our intelligence network and 24 hours patrol/anti-smuggling activities by our operatives. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the total seizure amounted to N557,120,828.00.”
“We are pleased to state that, in recent times, we carry out our operations with zero casualty and that is a great achievement in view of the circumstances. We value lives of our people and we try our best to safeguard it. I will like to state emphatically, that our operatives bear arms to protect their lives where and when necessary, any threat to their lives will not be treated with levity,” he said.
He issued a stern warning to smugglers, assuring them that their days are numbered, and they will face the full force of the law for their illicit actions.
“We shall keep uncovering their antics and very soon, they will be arrested and be made to face the full wrath of the law”, he warned.
Furthermore, the CAC called upon patriotic Nigerians to collaborate with the Command in the fight against smuggling, highlighting the grave threats posed by illicit substances and arms to national security and public safety. He encouraged the public to provide intelligence to enhance the Command’s operations and ensure a safer society for all.
Regarding revenue generation, Comptroller Shuaibu reported a total revenue of N24,283,788 generated by the Command from January to date. He credited the revenue sources to baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products.
Comptroller Shuaibu commended the support of the Customs management team, the dedication of his operatives, and the collaborative efforts of sister agencies and stakeholders.
He also expressed appreciation for the professionalism demonstrated by the press in reporting on the Command’s activities.