Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a determined effort to curb smuggling on the waterways, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, Controller of the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has directed officers to ensure the arrest of suspects, emphasizing a robust enforcement mandate.
During a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, Comptroller Bamisaiye handed over 17 bags of seized cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He ordered marine personnel to incapacitate smugglers by shooting them in the legs to facilitate their arrest, highlighting the command’s fully equipped clinic ready to treat wounded criminals.
The Area Controller instructed personnel on sea patrol to disable smugglers by shooting them in the legs to facilitate their arrest. He assured that any injured smugglers would receive medical treatment at the command’s fully equipped clinic. Bamisaiye clarified,
“I told my officers that we are not supposed to kill but to shoot the smugglers on their legs. Our officers are marine officers, but they are not as skillful as the smugglers in swimming. Therefore, they should shoot them and bring them to the command’s clinic for treatment,” Bamisaiye stated.
He underscored the determination of the NCS to intercept illicit items and improve the arrest of smugglers, urging those engaged in illegal trade to turn to legitimate business. Bamisaiye described smuggling as a societal menace and affirmed the command’s commitment to enhancing its anti-smuggling efforts.
Detailing the recent seizures, Bamisaiye revealed that the command intercepted 1,257 loaves of Cannabis Sativa, weighing 720 kg and valued at over 96 million Naira. Stating that the seizure occurred following credible intelligence about a boat on the high sea along Bar Beach on May 15, 2024. Additionally, on May 19, a joint patrol intercepted a wooden boat carrying 505 bags of foreign parboiled rice, worth over 59 million Naira, on the Badagry Waterways.
”The Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service in its continued efforts to purge the Western Waterways of the offensive activities of smuggling intercepted and seized Seventeen (17) Sacks containing One Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Seven (1,257) loaves of Cannabis Sativa with a combined weight of 720kg worth over 96 Million Naira.
“At about 2300hrs on Wednesday 15 May 2024, a patrol team of Officers and Men of WMC at the Bar beach station of the Command received credible intelligence on movement of a boat on the high sea along the beach location carrying items suspected to be offending items. Upon receiving the information the team moved towards the described location and intercepted one fiber boat fitted with 200HP Yamaha Engine carrying sacks of the suspected items.
“In a related development on Sunday 19 May 2024 a joint team of Officers and Men of the Command while on routine patrol along Panko Creek, Badagry Waterways, intercepted one wooden boat fitted with a 25HP Yamaha engine carrying suspected contraband items and upon sighting our patrol Boats abandoned their Boat and dived into the water.
“A careful examination of the items being conveyed revealed Five Hundred and Five (505) Bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice having a combined DPV of Fifty Nine Million, One Hundred and Eighty Five Thousand Naira (N59, 185,000.00) of both items and Means of Conveyance. The actions of these smugglers is a direct contravention of sections 245 and 254 of NCS Act 2023 which WMC is responsible for enforcing.
“In line with interagency synergy and the Comptroller General’s policy thrust, we have handed over the seized cannabis to the NDLEA,” Bamisaiye noted, appealing to the public to avoid engaging in smuggling and illicit drug trade, which he linked to broader criminal activities such as banditry and armed robbery.
Bashir Magaji, Acting Commander Narcotics of the Marine Command at NDLEA, commended the Customs Service for its ongoing efforts against smuggling, highlighting the importance of their collaboration in maintaining law and order on Nigeria’s waterways.