The Nigerian Customs through its Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone A, has apprehended no fewer than six smugglers found in possession of drugs, rice and other items banned by the Federal Government.
The six suspects, who were among the smugglers linked to the items, were apprehended during the custom officers enforcement operation across the South-West borders, which led to seizure of over N1 billion contraband goods recovered from the illegal traders.
Among the smuggled goods recovered by customs were 3,832 bags of rice, which are equivalent to 7 trailer loads, 27 units of used vehicles, and 494 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit.
Other goods intercepted were 27 bales of used clothing, 95 bags of charcoal, and 3.643 kilograms of cannabis sativa, which was handed over to the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and subsequent prosecution.
Addressing newsmen in Ikeja on Wednesday, the Comptroller FOU Zone A, Kola Oladeji, disclosed that these onslaughts against the activities of economic saboteurs in areas of the service key performance indicators (KPI), which include revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade have continued to record significant successes through the on-going operations ” Swift Sting Operations” and efforts of other patrol teams.
“The successes recorded so far this year were not made on a platter of gold. It took the painstaking efforts of our officers, who spent hours on patrol and surveillance of our borders, to achieve these seizures. Let me reiterate that we will not relent on our oars. Our resolve to tame the activities of illegal trans-border trade and other crime remains sacrosanct,” Oladeji said.
While highlighting the agency’s revenue collection, the customs boss stated that his unit has recovered over N72 million through the Issuance of Demand Notices (DN), as a result of irregular declaration of consignments.
Oladeji, meanwhile, assured that the FOU will continue to enforce the provision of the Nigeria Custom Service Act 2023 as it relates to import and export goods to prevent revenue losses.
He further commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for introducing several innovative trade facilitation tools aimed at enhancing revenue generation and driving sustainable economic growth of the country.
According to Oladeji, these trade facilitation tools, such as Time Release Study (TRS), Advance Ruling, and the recently launched Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), have led to a significant increase in investors’ confidence and a notable improvement in customs operations, with a reduction in clearance times and an increase in compliance rates.
“This unit has since keyed into these laudable initiatives of the CGC by collapsing some patrol teams operating within the Lagos metropolis. This aims at removing unnecessary trade impediments and facilitating business business-friendly environment,” he added.
Furthermore, the Customs boss reiterated the agency’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure border environment, supporting efforts to prevent illegal activities and protect national security.
