Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area 2 Command in Onne has reported a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat smuggling and illicit importation activities.
This was announced during a press briefing held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede revealed the successful seizure of goods valued at ₦11.2 billion, a major achievement in the Command’s ongoing operations to secure the nation’s borders and ensure public safety.
Comptroller Babandede expressed his enthusiasm for the Command’s recent accomplishments and reminded the press of the visit by the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on July 1, 2024.
During his visit, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of securing the nation’s borders and warned against unpatriotic activities that undermine importation processes and guidelines. Despite these warnings, some individuals have continued to engage in these illegal activities.
Highlighting the recent successes, Babandede noted, “It is with joy that I inform you that the Command has again recorded another significant breakthrough over these unpatriotic people who do not have the interest of our Nation at heart as attested by the seizures on display today.”
The seizures, made possible through credible intelligence and collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Onne Port Chapter, included:
– 1,054,400 bottles of different cough syrups containing codeine (100ml)
– 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutters
– 2,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg)
– 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg)
These items were discovered in seven 40-foot containers during a joint examination involving various sister agencies. Comptroller Babandede emphasized the heavy financial loss to those involved and the severe legal consequences awaiting them as investigations continue. The seized items will be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.
In addition to their enforcement activities, the Area 2 Command has also made notable progress in revenue generation. For the first half of the year, the Command generated ₦312,094,367,124.58, achieving 50.5 percent of its annual target.
For the month of July alone, as of the morning of the briefing, the Command had generated ₦48,056,806,692.00, with five working days remaining in the month.
Comptroller Babandede reiterated the Command’s commitment to increasing its revenue profile while tirelessly protecting public health and safety.