Smuggling: Ogun 1 Customs Command boss, Shuaibu warns smugglers, as Command displays 1 week seizures worth DPV N229.1m

Smuggling: Ogun 1 Customs Command boss, Shuaibu warns smugglers, as Command displays 1 week seizures worth DPV N229.1m

 

By Adetokunbo FAKEYE

 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Ogun 1 Command boss, Deputy Comptroller Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu has warned recalcitrant smugglers within the command to desist from their illegal activities or face the full weight of the law.

DC Shuaibu, who stated this today, Thursday, 19th December, 2024, during a maiden press briefing at the command Officers’ Mess, in Idiroko border, disclosed that, the Command within a week, made seizures worth Duty Paid Value, DPV, N229,112,424.00.

According to him, the seizures are as follows: a. 2,169 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, smuggled
through unapproved routes;

b. 1,128 parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana,
weighing 1,109.3kg.

c. 21 bales and 2 sacks of used clothes.
d. 166 pieces of pneumatic tyres.
e. 4,360 cartons of imported shoes.
f. 250 kegs of PMS weighing 25 litres each.
g. 20 units of vehicles used for conveyance.
h. 1 unit of foreign used vehicle, 2012 model Toyota Highlander.

Below is the full briefing:

MAIDEN PRESS CONFERENCE SPEECH BY DC MOHAMMED SALISU
SHUAIBU, ACTING CUSTOMS AREA CONTROLLER, OF THE NIGERIA
CUSTOMS SERVICE OGUN I COMMAND HELD AT IDIROKO ON
THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2024

Gentlemen of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen

1. It is my privilege to welcome you to this maiden press briefing, and I deeply
appreciate your presence and partnership as we begin a new phase of intensified
efforts to safeguard our nation’s economic integrity.

2. 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 MFR, has
provided us with the guidance, tools, and motivation to carry out this critical
responsibility. We are determined to justify this trust.

3. 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 the
items highlighted below with total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N229,112,424.00

a. 2,169 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, smuggled
through unapproved routes;

b. 1,128 parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana,
weighing 1,109.3kg.

c. 21 bales and 2 sacks of used clothes.
d. 166 pieces of pneumatic tyres.
e. 4,360 cartons of imported shoes.
f. 250 kegs of PMS weighing 25 litres each.
g. 20 units of vehicles used for conveyance.
h. 1 unit of foreign used vehicle, 2012 model Toyota Highlander.

4. 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:

a. Foreign Rice: The illegal importation of rice poses a significant threat
to Nigeria’s economy. It not only hampers local rice production but also
undermines the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency.
We, therefore, view smuggling of rice as economic sabotage, and we will not
relent in bringing perpetrators to justice.

b. Cannabis Sativa: The implications of cannabis smuggling are even
more dire. This dangerous substance destroys lives, fuels criminal activities,
and jeopardizes the safety and security of our communities. The Ogun I
Command remains vigilant and will continue to collaborate with sister
security agencies to rid our society of this menace.

c. Used Clothes: The importation of used clothes is banned for obvious
health and economic reasons. Aside from being a conduit for hazardous
materials, it discourages the growth of our local textile industry, which has the
potential to generate jobs for millions of Nigerians.

5. 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.

6. 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. May I appreciate gentlemen
of the press, for your support in educating the public on the dangers of smuggling
and economic sabotage. Your role as partners in progress is invaluable, and I look forward to your continued cooperation as we work to fulfill our mandate. While
reaffirming our commitment to the mandate of Ogun I Command, I will like to state
that, together, we will safeguard our economy, protect our communities, and uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Thank you all for your attention.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *