Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, has highlighted the significant seizures made by the Tincan Command, emphasizing the commitment to enhancing revenue generation and trade facilitation while combatting illicit activities.
Under the theme “The Year of the Stakeholders,” the Tincan Command reported a robust revenue collection totaling N240,302,743,023.47 since January 2024. This marked increase underscores the command’s dedication to its mandate amid evolving challenges.
The Customs Area Controller of Tin-can Island command, Compt Dera Nnadi revealed this on Friday while briefing pressmen at the command office in Apapa Lagos on the activities of the command.
“In the month of February 2024,the command generated One Hundred Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety-Nine Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Seven Naira, Seventy-One Kobo (N100,399,354,887.71) this is 41.82% higher than the value collected on the same period in 2023 which is Forty -One Billion, Five Hundred and Eighteen Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty Nine Naira and Nine Kobo (N41,518,738,649.09).
“In the month of March 2023, the command recorded the sum of Forty-Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Three Million, One Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-Four Naira, Eleven Kobo (N42,473,262,013.00) collected from 1st – 13th March 2024.
Enforcement and anti-smuggling efforts remained a top priority, with the seizure of 12 rifles, 6 pistols, and significant quantities of illicit substances. These included 100 rounds of 9mm live ammunition and 23kg of heroin, indicative of the command’s vigilance in safeguarding national security.
Moreover, the press release detailed a myriad of other seized items, ranging from electronic appliances to used clothing, underscoring the diverse nature of smuggling attempts intercepted by the command.
The collaboration between the Tincan Command and sister agencies, particularly the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), yielded substantial results in combating drug trafficking.
Mr. Muhammed Aminu Abubakar, NDLEA Commander at Tincan Port, commended the joint efforts, citing a recent breakthrough in dismantling a notorious drug syndicate.
Abubakar emphasized the international scope of drug trafficking and the necessity for heightened cooperation among security agencies to effectively tackle the menace.
He highlighted the challenges posed by sophisticated smuggling networks and called for increased vigilance among clearing agents to prevent unwitting involvement in illicit activities.
“Collaboration of our sister agency especially in Customs can put an end to this. This is a dangerous illicit trade. There were a lot of arrests being made at the airport in relation to this and that’s why here at the ports pertaining to seizure, we can’t do anything about it for now because most of the people that are being rounded.
“Working with our external collaborators. The people who are outside the country who are sending these items, some of them are already in the hand of the security agencies in those countries and even some of the arms and ammunition you are seeing here come together with some illicit drugs so you can say it is the same people perpetrating this trade. They have their own network here in Nigeria and they have network across West Africa.
“We should work together with all the Security agencies. Doing that, we would safeguard the security of our own borders. The airport is playing their part. This is a wake-up call to all the security agencies working in the maritime industry to make sure that we do our own part in making sure that that they don’t come in or leave our shores.
“The seizure of cannabis indica is also testament to that because when our officers process the intelligence, and it took a lot in breaking that container because this is a container which has gone on transire but the customs had to bring it back for examination where we found this illicit drugs of cannabis indica,” he said.
Addressing journalists after handing over the seized items to relevant agencies, Compt Nnadi attributed the success of his command to the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, and the concerted efforts of his officers which he so much appreciated.
“I sincerely wish to appreciate the continuous support of the CGC, Bashir Adeniyi, MFR and his management team. Every support from the Service headquarters is significant in enhancing the Command’s operational activities and contributes largely to its achievements.
“I also want to use this medium to appreciate and commend the efforts of all officers in rank and file. Your dedication is highly impressive. The efforts of our CIU operatives, Customs Police, Enforcement Unit, amongst other units and other sister security agencies, are appreciated. The role of the gentlemen of the press is also appreciated”, he stated.