Tola Adenubi, Author at Tribune Online

In a major boost to addressing insecurity and ensuring the safety of lives and properties, the Ogun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday announced the Interception of 6,180 pieces of Cutlasses, 2,002 pieces of smuggled bags of 50kg rice amongst others. Speaking at a press briefing on the year 2024 scorecard of the Ogun 1 command and handing over of seized Cannabis Sativa, the Customs Area Controller, Compt. Mohammed Shuaibu disclosed that the command also generated total revenue of N275.8 million in 2024. According to Compt. Shuaibu, the command, also intercepted other contraband worth N1.27 billion in 2024. "I am pleased to inform you that, from the 1st of January to the 27th of January 2025, the command recorded significant seizures. These seizures include 2,002 bags of smuggled rice weighing 50kg each, 6,180 pieces of cutlasses, and 6375 litres of PMS, among others. The intercepted items during this period bring the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) to N77.48 million. These seizures reflect our relentless efforts to curtail smuggling activities and enforce compliance with customs regulations. "In the fiscal year 2024, the Ogun I Area Command, the command generated a total revenue of N275,835,406 through the diligent efforts of our officers and the cooperation of compliant traders. The revenue was actualised through the collection from baggage assessment and proceeds from auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and vehicles. "Through intelligence-driven operations and the dedication of our officers, we intercepted and seized 16,712 pieces of Foreign Parboiled Rice, 50kg each; 139, 881 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 940 rounds of live Ammunition; 71 sacks and 3,253 Parcels of Cannabis Sativa; 586 bales of used Clothing and 86 units of vehicles used for conveyance. "Others are 18 units of foreign Used Vehicles, 2,150 pieces of Used Pneumatic tyres, 760 pieces of Donkey Skin, 3,766 Frozen Poultry Products and 85 bags of imported flour. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures amounts to N127billion. "These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our officers to combating smuggling activities, protecting the economy, and safeguarding the well-being of our society. As we began the new year, our focus has remained on consolidating the gains of 2024," Controller Shuaibu stated. The Customs Controller also disclosed that the command would hand over 780 parcels of coconut-sized Cannabis Sativa, 225 parcels of book seize and 160 parcels of bread seized to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command. "As part of our inter-agency collaboration, we are handing over intercepted parcels of cannabis sativa to the Commander of the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command. "The items include "780 parcels of coconut-sized cannabis sativa, 225 parcels of book-sized cannabis sativa and 160 parcels of bread-sized cannabis sativa. "This handover is in line with our commitment to strengthening partnerships with other security agencies to combat drug trafficking and ensure a safer society." The Customs boss applauded the Customs CG for his continuous support and the general public to join hands with the Nigeria Customs Service by providing timely and credible information to help us combat smuggling and other economic crimes. "I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the continuous support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. It is my pleasure to also commend the officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication to duty. "Your hard work and commitment have been instrumental in achieving these milestones. May I equally extend my profound gratitude to our esteemed stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the media for your continued support and collaboration? "I urge the general public to join hands with the Nigeria Customs Service by providing timely and credible information to help us combat smuggling and other economic crimes. Together, we can build a prosperous nation where compliance is the norm, and criminality has no place." "As we continue in 2025, we remain resolute in delivering on our mandate to protect the economy, ensure security, and contribute to national prosperity. Let me assure you that the Ogun I Area Command will not relent in its efforts to combat smuggling, facilitate legitimate trade, and generate revenue for national development," he stated. ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Clear cargoes in 30 days or risk forfeiture, Customs tells importers, exporters