Security

Customs Solicits Intelligence Sharing for Effective Operations

By Web News 143

By Abisola Oluremi

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has sought the collaboration of traditional institutions in checkmating activities of smugglers.

This was the thrust of the homage paid by Customs Acting Area Comptroller for Oyo/Osun area, Wale Adewole, to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ogunsua of Modakeke and Ataoja of Osogbo.

Speaking at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, the NCS Acting Area Comptroller solicited the support of the monarch and the community in combating smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade and enhancing national economic security.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi commended the Service for its role in trade facilitation and border security, assuring the Command of his continued support.

At Modakeke, the Acting Controller solicited for more intelligence sharing and community cooperation in maintaining effective customs operations.

The Ogunsua pledged the support of his people at ridding the nation of smuggling activities.

Similarly, during the visit to Osogbo,the Acting Area Comptroller, NCS Adewole reiterated the Command’s commitment to strengthening ties with host communities to promote lawful trade and curb illicit activities.

The Ataoja welcomed the delegation and assured the Service of the palace’s cooperation.

The Oyo/Osun Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to revenue generation, trade facilitation and the suppression of smuggling through sustained stakeholder collaboration.

Edited by Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Security

Customs, Monarchs Unite to Tackle Smuggling

By Web News 189

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

As part of efforts to strengthen national security and suppress smuggling activities across border communities, the Nigeria Customs Service has emphasised the need for closer synergy with traditional rulers, in line with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrust on community engagement and strategic partnership.

Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Area Command, Mr Oladapo Afeni, made this known during a strategic courtesy visit to the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom, Oba Yisa  Olaniyan. 

Mr Afeni noted that traditional institutions remain critical partners in the suppression of smuggling and the enhancement of national security, particularly in border communities like Ipokia.

He reiterated the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, including trade facilitation, revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations, while urging the traditional council to continue sensitising residents on the dangers of illicit trade and its negative impact on national security and economic growth.

In his remark, the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom, Oba Olaniyan, commended the Comptroller-General of Customs for his transformative leadership anchored on global best practices.

The monarch encouraged the Acting Area Controller to discharge his duties without fear or favour and reaffirmed that Ipokia is a peaceful, law-abiding community committed to supporting the Federal Government’s economic and security objectives.

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Security

Customs, NDLEA Strengthen Anti-Drug Collaboration

By Web News 337

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

In line with inter-agency protocols, the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has handed over seized illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command.

The substances included 11 wraps of crystal meth (ice) weighing 12 kilograms, 16 pieces of heroin weighing 16 kilograms and 3,373 wraps of cannabis sativa in doughnut-size, coconut-size, and booklet-sizes, weighing 1,502 kilograms.

During the handover at the Command’s headquarters, Idiroko, the Customs Area Controller, Mr Oladapo Afeni, noted that cannabis remained the most abused illicit drug globally, with one in three users requiring treatment.

The Customs Area Controller also said the Command generated over twenty-seven million naira in revenue within the month, attributing the achievement to improved compliance by legitimate traders.

He emphasized that legitimate trade  facilitation would be sustained while enforcement against smuggling would also be strengthened.

Customs Controller noted that postings within the Command would be merit-based and performance-driven. 

Mr Afeni acknowledged the leadership impacts of the Comptroller – General of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, while praising customs officers, community leaders, informants and the media for supporting the command. 

He warned smugglers to stay away from Ogun State, restating that the Command would remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and security interests.

Receiving the exhibits, NDLEA Commander for Idiroko, Mr. Ekundayo Omoniyi, commended the Customs Command for strengthening inter-agency collaboration, describing the seizure as timely, especially during the festive period.

Mr Omoniyi gave assurance that investigations would be intensified to apprehend those responsible for the trafficking.

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Security

PICS: Customs Uncovers Cache of Smuggled Arms, Ammunition

By Web News 747

The Nigeria Customs Service has made a major interception of a large cache of smuggled arms and ammunition, raising serious security concerns.

According to reports, While the exact quantity and value of the seized weapons are not yet disclosed, the scale of the bust is described as highly disturbing.

photo credit: Nations
  • The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has arrived in Lagos and is set to address journalists at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “A” in Ikeja, where more details are expected to be revealed.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Security

Customs Hand Over Seized Drugs to NAFDAC

By Web News 325

By Abisola Oluremi

The Oyo Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has  handed over seized pharmaceutical drugs worth  over 1.7 billion naira to the National Agency For Food And Drug Administration And Control, NAFDAC.

At the event held at the NCS operational headquarters in Ibadan, the area comptroller of the command, Doctor Ben Oramalugo said the products were intercepted at Bakatari area of Oyo State, as the seized pharmaceutical products included Augumentin tablets, Ampicllox and Amoxicillin capsules.

According to report, products concealed in fifty three sacks with a duty paid value of One Billion Seven Hundred And Thirty Nine Million Naira were handed to the Coordinating Director NAFDAC, Mrs Roseline Ajayi.

Dr Oramalugo who explained that, though the suspects fled at the point of arrest, he however assured Nigerians that the command will not rest until they were all apprehended.

The Oyo Osun Custom Comptroller also said over Five Billion Naira had been generated into the federal government coffers in March 2024.

The addition according to him brought the total money generated in the first quarter of the year 2024 to over eighteen million naira.

Doctor Oramalugo said other contraband products seized so far included foreign rice, cannabis sativa, used tyres popularly called tokunbo , second hand Clothings, Ankara,  premium motors spirits, tramadol among others.

Receiving the  intercepted drugs, the coordinating  director , Mrs Roseline  Ajayi    who appreciated the Oyo Osun area command  of  the  Nigeria  customs service, explained that the drugs  would  be taken to the laboratory for further investigations

Mrs ajayi however urged the NCS to effect the arrest of the fleeing  perpetrators of such dastardly  act.

Crime

Customs Intercepts Fake Pharmaceutical Drugs

By Web News 350

By Abisola Oluremi

The Oyo-Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted fake pharmaceutical drugs worth one billion seven hundred and thirty-nine million naira at Bakatari area of  Oyo State.

The drugs include seven sacks of 625 mg augmentin tablets, twenty-two sacks of ampiclox and twenty-four sacks of 500 mg amoxicillin capsules.

The Area Controller of the command,  Dr Ben Oramalugo stated this while briefing newsmen on the achievements of the command in February 2024 at his headquarters in Ibadan.

Doctor Oramalugo explained that the drugs were tucked in a truck loaded with electronics en route to the northern part of the country.

The Area Controller noted that other seized commodities include foreign parboiled rice, premium motor spirit, Indian hemp, used tyres, and vegetable oil totalling over one billion naira.

DrOramalugo, while appreciating the efforts of traditional rulers, officials of local government, officers of Customs Service and other sister security agents, said the command would not relent in contributing to the economic stability of the nation.

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Economy

Palliative: Customs Begins Sale of 25kg Rice for N10,000

By Web News 1186

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, will today commence the sale of seized bags of rice to the public at the rate of N10,000 per 25kg .

Disclosing this to newsmen in Lagos, Comptroller General of the NCS, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, said the process for the sale of the food items has been perfected such that a form with all the details of the applicant including the National Identification Number, NIN, will be submitted and a bar code will be generated for the collection of the commodity.

Adeniyi stated that ten registration points will be opened for members of the public with a view to easing the purchase process.


The Customs boss said that the moves to sell the seized items is to crash the price of food items and the shore up the value of the Naira.


He warned against the resale of purchased rice adding anybody caught reselling will be arrested and possibly prosecuted.


He explained that the disposal of these seized items will be for a period of time adding that very poor Nigerians were the target for this gesture.


He said, “In ensuring food security for Nigerians. We are here to shed light on the commitment of the NCS in protecting our society by ensuring the availability of essential food items.

“In recent months, the government has been addressing the challenges faced within our economy, particularly the lagged effects of insecurity and the current exchange rate issues.


“As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the food security of Nigerians, the NCS has secured approval from the government to dispose of these seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices.

“The criteria for Nigerians to benefit from this initiative include having a verifiable National
Identification Number (NIN).

“The target groups include artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other Nigerians within our operational areas. The intention is to reach out directly to members through these organized structures to ensure the maximum impact of this exercise.

“To ensure the security and integrity of this initiative, NCS has put in place comprehensive measures. These measures encompass robust security protocols throughout the process. Our officers will be closely monitoring the entire supply chain to prevent any misuse or diversion of the food items.


“Moreover, we have established strict guidelines and eligibility criteria to ensure that the items are distributed only to those in genuine need. Additionally, we will be working closely with relevant agencies to ensure compliance with the terms of this program.


“It is imperative that beneficiaries of this exercise understand that the items are not to be resold. We take a strong stance against any form of profiteering or exploitation of this initiative. We urge Nigerians to report any incidents of misuse or unauthorized resale of the seized food items.

“NCS is fully committed to transparency and accountability in this process, and we will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be in violation of the
terms of this program.”


In a related development, the leadership of the NCS disclosed that the agency The challenge of food security have exacerbated concerns which has led to a concerning trend where food items are moving out massively to neighbouring countries.


He further disclosed that over 20,000 bags of assorted grains (Rice, beans, Maize, Guinea corn, millet, Soya beans, 2500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish. Others include Dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, Maggi, Macaroni, salt, sugar, garri.


“This trend is not sustainable as it puts pressure on our productive capacity and threatens our food security.

“To address this, the NCS has remained responsive in carrying out its mandate to protect our borders from the inflow and outflow of restricted goods. One concerning trend noticed is the outflow of food items in huge quantities, posing a threat to our food security. It should be noted that the condition for the export of any item is only met upon fulfilling sufficiency internally.

“In this regard, food items deemed not to fulfil these conditions are showing up in our interceptions made at the borders. We will continue to advance the nation’s goals and objectives by aligning with the administration’s policies and aspirations for a prosperous Nigeria.


“NCS is dedicated to executing its duties with excellence and efficiency. Recognizing the significance of its responsibility to protect society and facilitate trade, the NCS remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding national interests and ensuring the well-being of all Nigerians.


“Furthermore, the NCS is committed to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and public service. By upholding the highest standards of integrity,” he stated.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

Smugglers Conceal 1,245 Rounds of Ammunition in Rice Bags

By Web News 421

By Olusegun Folarin

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted one thousand, two hundred and forty five rounds of live ammunition concealed in bags of rice.

The Controller of Customs, Ogun Area 1 Command, Mr Bamidele Makinde, who announced this to journalists in Abeokuta said the five vehicles conveying the ammunition, were intercepted on a bush path along the exit point of the Republic of Benin. 

Mr Makinde explained that the suspected smugglers had abandoned the vehicles and escaped through the bush around Ijoun in Yewa North Local government area of Ogun State. 

Describing the smuggled items as a threat to national security and safety of border communities, the Ogun Area 1 Customs Controller appealed to the people to provide useful information to the command in the bid to check the activities of suspected criminals. 

Mr Makinde who pointed out that the ammunitions had been deposited for safekeeping renewed the Command’s commitment to enhance safety at the nation’s borderlines with all sense of patriotism.

He added that the necessary steps were being taken uncover those behind the attempted smuggling of the items with a view to ensuring their arrest and prosecution.

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Crime

Customs Seizes Goods Worth Billions of Naira

By Web News 568

Nigeria Customs Service Oyo/Osun Area Command says it has generated over one hundred billion naira between January and November this year.

The Oyo Osun Area Comptroller, Mr Babajide Jaiyeoba made this known while briefing newsmen on the achievements of the command for the year 2022.

Mr Jaiyeoba said the command had intensified efforts on suppression of smuggling, revenue collection, legitimate trade facilitation and enforcement of Federal Government policies to ensure that the society is free from smuggling. 

He stated further that with the efforts of gallant officers, the Command generated over Sixty-five billion naira from January to April and over Forty-six billion naira covering May to November this year.

“When compared to revenue collection of #56,904,977,769.95k (Fifty-six billion, nine hundred and four million,  nine hundred and Seventy-seven thousand, seven hundred and Sixty-nine Naira, Ninety-five kobo) during the same period last year, the Command exceeded her revenue collection of 2921 with the sum of #8,557,947,642.35k (Eight billion, five hundred and Fifty-seven million, nine hundred and Forty-seven thousand, six hundred and Forty-two naira, Thirty-five kobo) representing 15.04% increase”

“When viewed against the revenue target of the command for the period covering January to November 2022, the Command exceeded her revenue target with the sum of #6,727,450,200.22k (six billion, seven hundred and Twenty-seven million, four hundred and fifty thousand, two hundred naira, Twenty-two kobo) representing 11.45% increase”

The customs boss said during the period under review, the command with the use of intelligence and continuous patrol operations made a series of interceptions comprising of 126 seizures and twenty detentions.

The seizures included 4,217 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 914 kegs of PMs, 40 bales of used clothing, 17 used vehicles, 1,167 pieces of used tyres, 13 sacks of used bags, 1 sack of used shoes, 69 sacks of dry donkey skin and 89 wraps of Cannabis Sativa.

Mr Jaiyeoba stressed further that apart from the efforts of customs officers, the collaborative efforts of sister agencies were also germane to the success of the Commands.

“We assure all stakeholders with legitimate businesses within the Command’s area of responsibility, of maximum cooperation to ensure facilitation of legitimate trade”

The Customs boss, therefore, warned individuals with nefarious intentions aimed at sabotaging the economic development of the Nation, to steer clear of the Command’s territory or face the wrath of the law.

He added that the public should not relent in providing useful information against economic saboteurs in their environment in order to improve service delivery as well as ridding society of crimes.

Rasheeda Makinde

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Crime

Ogun Customs Intercept 35 Trucks with Smuggled Rice

By Web News 557

Operators of legitimate businesses across the nation’s land borders have been assured of necessary support by the Nigerian Customs Service, to enhance trade facilitation and enforcement of the government’s fiscal policies. 

The Customs Area Controller, Ogun Area One Command, Mr Bamidele Makinde who announced this to journalists at Idi Iroko also promised to ensure continuous engagement and sensitization of the people to the dangers of smuggling and other forms of cross border crimes.

On revenue generation, Mr Makinde said the command generated more than 38 million naira revenue from import duties and auction sales of petroleum products within the third quarter of 2022. 

He said about 35 trailer loads of smuggled rice and contraband including used tyres and clothing were also intercepted among other seizures recorded during the period under review. 

The Customs Area Controller emphasized that quality intelligence gathering and processing as well as the Command’s collaboration with the people and other relevant bodies had been yielding the desired results in suppression of smuggling and other illicit activities.


Olusegun Folarin

Security

Customs Intercept Contraband Worth 600 Million Naira

By Web News 420

The Nigeria Customs Service said it arrested five suspects, intercepted ammunitions and other contrabands worth Duty Paid Value of over N622m in September.

The Acting Customs Area Controller in charge of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, of the service, Hussein Ejibunnu, while addressing journalists at the unit said the unit also recovered N107m within the period under review.

He said the unit intercepted imported bales of second-hand clothing abandoned in an uncompleted building in Lagos.

Within the period under review, he added, the unit intercepted a large cache of Premium Motor Spirit, concealed inside sacks along the Badagry axis of Lagos State.

He said, “Among the September seizures was a massive discovery of bales of 1,955 bales of used clothing in an abandoned building around the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex. We made the discovery and evacuation using combined strategies of intelligence, tact and enforcement. Also within the same period, a large cache of PMS ingeniously concealed inside sacks was intercepted at the Badagry Axis of Lagos State.”

“Other seizures recorded within the same period are, “7,328 of 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice, 121,550 litres of premium motor spirit, 68 cartons of frozen poultry, 37 crates of eggs used to conceal rice, 150 kg parcels of Indian hemp, 10 pieces of military Camouflage bags, Six units of used cars, I unit of pump action rifle, 2 units of locally made guns and 35 live cartridges. Five suspects were arrested in connection with some of the seizures mentioned above”

Ejibunnu however said that the Federal High Court passed three judgements in favour of the units securing six convictions for illegal possession of smuggled goods.

He also added that six civil suits against the Unit were dismissed.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Security

Customs Intercept Adulterated Diesel, Others

By Web News 484

The Nigerian Customs Service has intercepted 45,000 litres of adulterated diesel and about 11,000 litres of petrol among other seizures recorded within Ogun State in the last 8 weeks. 

The Ogun – One Area Customs Command also generated about 13 million naira revenue from the auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly called petrol, intercepted at different locations and exit points to the Republic of Benin during the period.

Customs Area Controller of the Command, Mr Bamidele Makinde who made these known to newsmen at Idi Iroko said they also obstructed the illegal importation of about 14 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice into the country. 

He maintained that allowing the smuggled rice to gain access to the Nigerian market could undermine the Federal Government’s Rice Agriculture Policy. 

Mr Makinde explained that the estimated cumulative Duty Paid Value, DPV, of all the seizures made during the period was about one point two billion naira, stating that intercepting smuggled items could inflict gross financial injury on the perpetrators.

While applauding the support of traditional rulers and other sister security agencies in the fight against cross-border crimes, the Customs Area Controller also announced the handing over of intercepted consignments of illicit drugs and narcotics worth about 221 million naira to the NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, Idi Iroko Special Command, Mrs Ibinabo Achiabia.

Olusegun Folarin

Crime

Ogun Customs Seizes N102m Worth of Cannabis Sativa, Hands Over to NDLEA

By Web News 943

In Ogun State, the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted and delivered a consignment of Cannabis Sativa, worth more than 102 million naira to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

The substances, packed in 319 sacks, 476 wraps in book sized packages and 96 coconut size wraps were handed over to the NDLEA Commander Mr Ishaku Kwajafa in Abeokuta, by the Customs Area Controller, Ogun One Command, Mr Bamidele Makinde.

Mr Makinde explained that the handing over, approved by the Comptroller General of Customs, Colonel Hameed Ali, Retired, was in line with the respect for each agency’s statutory functions and to further strengthen the synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA.

Responding after taking possession of the Cannabis Sativa, the State NDLEA Commander, Mr Kwajafa, who appreciated the seizure, said the intervention of the Customs operatives had saved the society of the dire consequences of allowing the contraband to find its way into circulation.

He described the seizure as a very huge achievement and called for more collaborative efforts among relevant agencies to promote a peaceful society.

Officials of the NDLEA later carried out tests on the content of the sacks and confirmed that it was cannabis sativa before evacuating the seized items to their office.

Olusegun Folarin

Security

Youth Council of Nigeria Decries Alleged Killings by Customs Personnel

By Web News 719

The National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYNC, Ogun State Chapter has expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged killing of innocent people by the men and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Leading the youths on a peaceful protest to Ogun State House of Assembly, NYNC Chairman, Comrade Abdul-Jabar Ayelagbe, noted that it had become a daily occurrence in the border communities including Owode, Ilaro, Ayetoro, Ipokia/ Idiroko and its axis for men of the Nigeria Customs Services to kill and injure innocent citizens unlawfully under the guise of checkmating the activities of smugglers.

Responding, the Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, who identified with the youth, stated that the Assembly had earlier passed resolutions calling for a stakeholders’ meeting with all concerned individuals and groups to put an end to customs’ incessant killing. 

Mr Oluomo also gave an assurance that their plight would be communicated to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for necessary actions.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Security

Nigeria Customs Records over ₦200m Worth of Seized Items in Oyo

By Web News 3149

Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command has seized items worth over two hundred million Naira from January to July this year.

Comptroller Oyo/Osun Area Command, Alhaji Abdullahi Zulkifli who stated this in Ibadan at a news briefing noted that most of the seizures were made in Kishi, Irepo Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The seized goods included ninety three vehicles, over sixty thousand bags of parboiled rice, more than eighteen thousand litres of groundnut oil, and thirty nine bales of second hand clothing.

Other items included fifty bags of sugar, over one thousand used tyres and six bundles of textile materials.

Alhaji Zulkifli said thirty-five suspected smugglers were arrested in connection with the operations while five persons had been charged to court.

He noted that Kishi, being a border town made it renowned for smuggling which prompted the Command to lay siege on the smugglers.

Alhaji Zulkifli therefore enjoined community leaders to partner the Command by providing intelligence gathering.

Cov/Rasheedat Makinde /Ridan Fasasi