The Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday displayed seized items worth N229,112,424.00, including 2,169 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 1,128 parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana), and 166 pieces of pneumatic tyres, along with other items, seized along the Idiroko, Ilaro, Alamala-Rounda axis, Obada Oko-Abeokuta axis, Abule Kazeem-Abeokuta axis, and Imeko-Afon axis.
Addressing journalists in Idiroko, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, revealed that the seizures were made in the first seven days of his assumption of office.
According to Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, “Upon my assumption of duty as the Acting Area Controller, I made it clear to my officers and men that our mission in Ogun I Command would be driven by professionalism, integrity, and a renewed commitment to curbing smuggling and economic sabotage. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the able leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has provided us with the guidance, tools, and motivation to carry out this critical responsibility. We are determined to justify this trust.
“We are gathered here today to update you on the outcomes of our operational activities, which have led to remarkable seizures at various locations within Ogun State. These operations were executed through intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance, and collaboration with patriotic Nigerians.
“I am pleased to announce that within the past few days, the Ogun I Command has successfully intercepted these items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N229,112,424.00. The seized items include: 2,169 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, smuggled through unapproved routes; 1,128 parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, weighing 1,109.3kg; 21 bales and 2 sacks of used clothes; 166 pieces of pneumatic tyres; 4,360 cartons of imported shoes; 250 kegs of PMS weighing 25 litres each; 20 units of vehicles used for conveyance; and one unit of foreign used vehicle, a 2012 model Toyota Highlander.
“These seizures were made at strategic locations, including Idiroko, Ilaro, Alamal-Rounda axis, Obada Oko-Abeokuta axis, Abule Kazeem-Abeokuta axis, and Imeko-Afon axis, which are known smuggling hotspots.
“Our operatives remain resolute in dismantling the smuggling networks that undermine our economy, endanger lives, and hinder local industries.
“Permit me to break down the significance of some of these interceptions, especially rice, cannabis, and used clothes:
“Let me seize this opportunity to sound a strong note of warning to smugglers and their collaborators. The Command is prepared to match their activities with superior intelligence, unwavering commitment, and lawful force where necessary.
“Smugglers must desist from their illegal activities or face the full weight of the law. Furthermore, I want to assure the good people of Ogun State and law-abiding traders that our operations are targeted only at those who violate the law.
“We will continue to maintain an open-door policy, work with local communities, and encourage legitimate trade that fosters economic development.
“In conclusion, I commend the hard work and dedication of the officers and men of Ogun I Command who carried out these seizures. I urge them to remain vigilant, disciplined, and committed to the task at hand.
“While reaffirming our commitment to the mandate of Ogun I Command, I would like to state that, together, we will safeguard our economy, protect our communities, and uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
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