Economy

Customs Generates ₦78 Billion in Oyo/Osun Command

By Web News 381

By Abisola Oluremi

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service generated almost 78 billion naira in the first ten months of 2025.

Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, announced this at a news briefing held at the command headquarters in Ikolaba, Ibadan.

Comptroller Aliyu, the 37th Controller of the Command, said the revenue surpassed the 2024 figure by 17.5 percent.

He attributed the achievement to the dedication and commitment of officers under his command and urged them to sustain the performance.

He added that the command also recorded a duty paid value of over 818 million naira from seized contraband goods.

According to him, the seized items included foreign rice, premium motor spirit, used compressors, tyres, clothes, shoes, bags, cannabis sativa, unregistered pharmaceutical products, and vehicles.

Comptroller Aliyu called for stronger collaboration among traditional rulers, religious institutions, sister security agencies, the business community, the media, and the public to curb smuggling, which he said harms the nation’s economy.

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Economy

Idiroko Border Communities Need Power, Says NCS

By Web News 390

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has called for urgent interventions to resolve the persistent poor power supply to communities surrounding the Idiroko Border in Ogun State.

The Customs Area Controller for the Ogun 1 Area Command, Mr. Godwin Otunla, made the call, emphasizing that an improved electricity supply would enhance residents’ living standards and boost social and economic activities in the area.

Mr. Otunla issued the appeal at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko during an interactive session with a management team from Radio Nigeria Paramount FM, Abeokuta, led by the station’s General Manager, Mrs. Oluremi Olugbenro.

The Controller expressed concern that the unreliable power supply has led to the indiscriminate use of generating sets, which is fueling environmental hazards and contributing to the high cost of living.

Mr. Otunla mentioned ongoing moves by the command to find a lasting solution to the problem.

He maintained that improved service from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, and other stakeholders would boost livelihoods and support efforts toward enhanced border security and economic integration.

Mr. Otunla also reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to collaborating with the media, particularly the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, to promote public enlightenment and strengthen national security awareness.

Earlier in the visit, the General Manager of Paramount FM, Mrs. Oluremi Olugbenro, assured the command of the station’s readiness to sustain its partnership in public education and grassroots mobilization for national development.

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Economy

NCS Seize ₦1.4 Billion Smuggled Goods, Including ₦905m Rolls Royce

By Web News 453

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, has intercepted smuggled goods with a duty paid value exceeding 1.4 billion naira.

The seizures comprise a wide range of items, including a 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost valued at ₦905 million, a 2014 E-Class Mercedes-Benz, a 2018 Honda Accord, and more than 1,900 parcels of cannabis sativa.

The command also confiscated thousands of bags of foreign parboiled rice and 105 used tyres.

The Customs Area Controller, Mr. Godwin Otunla, presented the items at the Idiroko border.

He stated the command remains committed to combating smuggling to protect Nigeria’s economy and security.

Mr. Otunla confirmed that officials have handed the seized narcotics over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.

On revenue, he announced the command generated ₦45 million in July 2025, a figure that represents a 27.5 percent increase over the revenue collected in the same month of the previous year.

Mr. Otunla commended the dedication of his officers, the support from border communities, and the collaboration with other security agencies.

He also issued a stern warning to smugglers, stating that no level of sophistication would shield them from arrest and prosecution.

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Security

Customs Wants Enhanced Collaborations Among Sister Agencies

By Web News 186

By Abisola Oluremi

The Area Controller Oyo-Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs service, Comptroller Joseph Adelaja, has called for more  training programmes,  coordinated border operations and enhanced intelligence sharing among  sisters agencies in Oyo State.

Comptroller Adelaja  made the call during separate courtesy visits to the 2 Division of the Nigerian army, Nigerian immigration service and the National Agency for Food and Drug administration and Control, NAFDAC  in Ibadan.

According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service,  AbdulMalik Akintola, the visits were  part of efforts of the Command  to strengthen collaborations with other agencies  in safeguarding the Nation borders.

The statement indicates that,  the General Officer, Commanding 2 division of the Nigeria army,  Obinna Onubogu, the Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Joseph  Olutayo and the  Zonal Director of NAFDAC,  Mrs Roseline Ajayi expressed their continued  support to  the Nigerian Custom Service.

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Security

Customs Generates Over N400M in 17 Days

By Web News 91

By Abisola Oluremi 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Oyo/Osun Command, has generated Four hundred and sixty-eight million Naira within 17 days. 

The Command’s Area Comptroller, Mr Johnson Adelaja stated this at a news briefing held at the headquarters of the command in Ikolaba, Ibadan, Oyo State. 

Adelaja said the money was generated from confiscated items including used clothes, shoes, compressors, premium motor spirit, cannabis sativa and some trucks.

He reiterated that the command would not relent in its fight against smuggling and illicit trade in the Oyo and Osun States.

On the confiscated truck, the controller urged owners to install trackers on their vehicles to monitor the activities of their employees who may want to engage in using the trucks for unauthorized purposes. 

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Security

Customs Solicit Support of Traditional Rulers, Others in Tackling Smuggling

By Web News 73

By Olusegun Folarin 

The Nigeria Customs Service is engaging traditional rulers and other security agencies in the efforts to promote intelligence sharing strategies and suppress smuggling activities in the country.  

The Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Area Command, Mr Muhammed Shuaibu made the submission during a series of courtesy visits to traditional rulers and heads of different security outfits in Ogun State. 

Mr Shuaibu told the monarchs, including the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo as well as the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle that their support remained crucial to further sensitize residents to the dangers of smuggling and other crimes. 

The Customs Area Controller applauded the kings for preserving the peace, order, and security within their communities, urging them to deploy their experience towards mobilizing greater support for the efforts at improving border security and the fight against smuggling. 

He said such collaborations would help to improve economic growth and security along the Nigeria – Benin Republic borders and put an end to incessant clashes between suspected smugglers and Customs operatives.

During the visits to the Heads of Security Agents, Mr Shuaibu solicited their partnership in the areas of exchanging intelligence, resources, and expertise to form a strong front against all activities capable of putting the country’s security and economic stability in jeopardy. 

The Agencies included the Nigerian Police Force, the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Department of State Security Services. 

Affirming the strategic importance of Ogun State as gateway to neighbouring countries, particularly through the borders with Benin Republic, all the traditional rulers and Security Chiefs agreed to work with the Nigeria Customs on the need for a united front in the battle against smuggling and other crimes. 

The stakeholders expressed commitment to using innovative and resourceful strategies to safeguard the nation’s borders and promote economic growth through continued collaboration, cooperation and dedication to addressing identified challenges.

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Security

Customs Decorate 60 personnel with New Ranks

By Web News 795

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service have been charged to uphold the core values of integrity, diligence, and patriotism while discharging their duties of contributing meaningfully to the development, security, and prosperity of the country.

The Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Area Command, Mr Muhammed Shuaibu gave the charge at Idiroko while speaking at the decoration ceremony of about 60 newly promoted officers and men of the Command.

Mr Shuaibu said the well-deserved promotions were in acknowledgement of the hard work, commitment, and resilience of the personnel who consistently upheld the values and objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service.

He reminded the operatives that the promotion was not only in recognition of their professionalism, dedication, and outstanding performance but also a reflection of the organization’s confidence in their ability to handle greater responsibilities and service to the nation.

The Customs Area Controller encouraged them to wear the new ranks of authority with integrity and courage while working selflessly as role models for their colleagues, subordinates and the communities where they would serve.

He affirmed that the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi – led management was committed to ensuring staff welfare and career progression by promoting the enabling environment for officers and men to thrive and advised those yet to be promoted not to be discouraged, but to redouble their efforts.

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Economy

NCS Oyo/Osun Command Intercepts Foreign Rice, Marcaroni Worth Over 150 Million Naira

By Web News 296

By Abisola Oluremi

As part of efforts to encourage local farmers, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Oyo/Osun Command has intercepted foreign rice and macaroni worth duty paid value of over one hundred and fifty million naira.

The Area Controller of the command, Dr Ben Oramalugo stated this while briefing journalists on the achievements of the command in the outgoing year.

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Dr Oramalugo said the aim was to reduce the demand for foreign products and promote the consumption of locally produced alternatives. 

This he said was part of the federal government’s efforts to boost agricultural production, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.

The interception according to him was also to prevent revenue loss through smuggling and other illicit activities.

“The customs service has been working tirelessly to enforce compliance with import regulations and prevent the influx of substandard or prohibited goods into the country.”

Speaking on the revenue generated into the federal government coffers, Comptroller Oramalugo said between January and November 2024, the Command has generated seventy-two billion, five hundred and sixty-eight million, four hundred and nine thousand, eight hundred and two naira, two kobo representing a significant increase of 13.17% compared to amount collected within the same period in 2023.

He attributed the success to the diligence and transparency of officers of the command.

Other items seized by the command, included premium motor spirit, PMS, second-hand clothing, used tyres, and banned unlicensed pharmaceuticals, among others.

A highlight of the programme was the handing over of seized pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, for further action.

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Economy

Customs Seizes Goods Worth N380M in 23 Days

By Web News 326

By Olusegun Folarin 

The Nigeria Customs Service says efforts are ongoing to tackle identified challenges hindering the flow of business across the country’s land borders as Ogun Area One Command records 380 million Naira worth of seizures within 23 days.

The new Customs Area Controller, for the Command, Mr James Ojo stated this in Abeokuta, while giving account of his achievements since assumption of office about three weeks ago.

He also announced that the command generated more than 14 million Naira as revenue through baggage assessment and auction sales of intercepted petroleum products.

Mr Ojo lamented that the persistent smuggling of contraband items would continue to hamper the nation’s economic growth and promised that those carrying out legitimate trades would be given the necessary support to thrive.

While warning those he described as economic saboteurs to desist from smuggling and embrace legitimate cross-border transactions, the Customs Area Controller said government’s policy on the prohibition of rice importation through land borders would help to boost local production and self-sufficiency.

He restated the dangers of allowing cannabis sativa and foreign-used pneumatic tyres into the Nigerian markets also announced that  a total number of 103  seizure were made during the period under review.

The items listed by Mr Ojo included  1,309 parcels of cannabis sativa, 1,596 pieces of foreign used pneumatic tyres; 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each and 32 bales of used clothes.

Other intercepted contraband items on the list were 1,643 Cartons of frozen poultry products, and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

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Economy

Niger Republic Opens Konni for Operations

By Web News 337

One week after the authorities of Nigeria Customs Service opened the Illela land border between Nigeria and Niger Republic, the government of Niger Republic on Friday opened its border in Konni for operations.

A source, Nuhu Samaila, who briefed newsmen from Konni, in Niger Republic, said the border was declared open at exactly 12pm on Friday.

He commended the decision of the leadership of the country, the military junta, for giving a listening hearing to the yearnings of the people by ensuring the border is open.

“It is a commendable effort, at least by the government, to have done the needful at last.

“It was our collective prayer that this border too should be reopened after the Nigeria side was declared open.

“I want to believe that this will definitely help a lot in the improvement of the economy of these two countries, as it will facilitate more trading activities between Nigeria and Niger Republic,” he added.

The Federal Government had last week Wednesday restored the supply of electricity to the Republic of Niger following the directive of President Bola Tinubu that Nigeria’s land and air borders with the neighbouring country be opened.

On August 3, 2023, It was reported that the power supply from Nigeria to the Republic of Niger was stopped as part of the sanctions against the neighbouring country by the Economic Community of West African States.

Earlier in August last year, ECOWAS, led by Tinubu, imposed sanctions on Niger following a coup that toppled the country’s President-elect, Mohamed Bazoum, in July 2023. Officers of the Niger Presidential Guard had on July 26, 2023, arrested Bazoum and declared him deposed.

In their reactions, ECOWAS leaders demanded the full restoration of constitutional order in Niger and declared Bazoum’s arrest and detention illegal.

Also, in compliance with the directive of the President on the immediate reopening of the land border with Niger Republic, the Controller, Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi State command, Iheanacho Ojike, reopened Kamba land border.

While re-opening the border, Ojike said Kamba is a strategic border with a major share in Kebbi State revenue generation.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Education

Customs, NGO Collaborate on Education

By Web News 237

By Olusegun Folarin

The Nigeria Customs Service has encouraged the residents of border communities to spare no efforts in ensuring the educational progression of their children and wards as Ogun One Area Command collaborates with a Non-Governmental Organization, NGO, to offer educational materials to pupils.

The Ogun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs in collaboration with the NGO, Teach for Nigeria supported 100 primary school pupils, selected from 5 schools in Idiroko axis of Ipokia Local Government Area of the State with school uniforms and educational materials.

Addressing the people at Idiroko during the presentation of the items, the Customs Area Controller, Mr Ahmadu Shuaibu expressed optimism that the gesture would enhance the pupils’ access to learning and urged the parents and guardians not to relent in encouraging the young ones to acquire knowledge.

Mr Shuaibu, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller Administration, Mr Charles Ogunesan congratulated the beneficiaries of the initiative and also applauded the NGO for making such a great impact.

In a remark, The Ipokia Local Government Education Secretary, Alhaja Ireti Oduntan commended the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Customs Service and the NGO towards uplifting the learning condition of the pupils.

Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, A primary 5 pupil of Community Primary School, Igbo Adigun, Hunnesi Florence appreciated the donors for supporting them with a set of uniforms and writing materials, including books, stationeries, chalks and whiteboard markers for the use of selected schools.

The event was witnessed by the management team of Ogun One Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, representatives of the Department of State Security, members of education administration boards, head teachers of various schools, parents and representatives of Idiroko youths among others.

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Crime

NCC, Customs Collaborate on Curbing Piracy

By Web News 449

By Oluseyi Olarinde

Intellectual property theft and copyright infringements which involve the printing of books without the author’s permission, and the downloading of music and films illegally have over the years affected the book chain in Nigeria.

To this end, the Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, had reached an agreement with the Nigeria Customs Service, NSC, to tackle piracy in the country.

Director General, NCC, Dr John Asein made this known at a sensitization programme organized by the commission for the Publishers, Printers and booksellers in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

Dr Asein who noted that the collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service was to reduce to the barest minimum the activities of pirates, said that it was committed to tackling intellectual property theft right from the nation’s border.

Describing Ibadan as the heart beat of book selling in Nigeria, Dr Asein said the book chain had been weakened going by the actions of pirates, thereby affecting the nation’s economy.

The DG, NCC said the nation would be better off when the fight against piracy was conquered.

The Southwest Coordinator, NCC, Mrs Oluropo Oke, maintained that due to piracy, the publishing industry had been counting losses despite the huge investment in the business.

Mrs Oke maintained that the commission would not relent in the fight against the menace.

The booksellers in a reaction, through the  Chairman Association of Booksellers, Mr Sanni Shakiru accused the publishers of not communicating enough with them before taking some steps such as high discount rates, unavailable books for sales during book season and the likes which had inadvertently affected them greatly.

While reacting to the issues affecting authors and the publishers, the Vice President Nigerian Publishers Association, Mr Luqman Dauda called for collaborative  efforts on the part of the Commission, the Publishers, Printers and the book sellers.

The Chartered Institute of professional Printers, CIPPON, through the National Vice President, Mr Wole Olumuluyi, appealed to the NCC to always hold a periodic seminars with them and promised to work amicably with the commission.

The Publishers, Printers, and Booksellers promised to work tirelessly with NCC to put an end to piracy.

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Crime

Customs Seize Goods with Payable Duty of N454m

By Web News 687

By Abisola Oluremi

Tougher time await smugglers
in Oyo and Osun States as the State Command of Nigeria Customs Service, has strategized ways to suppress their illegal activities.

The Area Controller of the command, Dr Ben Oramalugo said this at a media briefing held at the headquarters of the NSC in ibadan .

He lamented that despite series of seizures and arrests, smuggling activities were still on the increase.

Dr Oramalugo identified collaboration with individuals, governments, traditional leaders and other security agencies as parts of measures that would be used to bring culprits to book.

He also said capacity building, technology integration and more sensitization on dangers inherent in smuggling as some of the tactics the command were deploying to curb illegal activities.

Dr Oramalugo explained that over four hundred and fifty four million naira duty paid value of goods including foreign parboiled rice, premium motor spirit, timbers, vehicles , belts and used clothes were intercepted in 2023, while over thirty million naira worth of contraband goods have been seized so far in 2024 by the command.

While appreciating the support of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, Dr Oramalugo reiterated the readiness of the command to generate more revenue into the Federal government coffers.

While appreciating the donation of a car to the command by the Oyo State government, the Area Controller, also sympathised with the State government and families that lost their loved ones in the recent Ibadan explosion.

Crime

Customs Seizes Rice, Arms, others Worth N51bn

By Web News 369

By Abisola OLuremi

Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Oyo/Osun area command has reiterated its readiness to end smuggling.

The Area Controller of the command,  Ben Oramalugo who stated this at a news briefing  held at the command headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State,  lamented that Nigeria could not continue to lose lives of people and property to smugglers .

Mr Oramalugo who assumed office on September 18, 2023, explained that with rigorous enforcement measures, over eleven billion naira has been generated into the government coffers within that short period.

He also said six operational Toyota Land cruiser vehicles have been handed over to the command to tackle smuggling.

While appreciating the roles of sister agencies, traditional rulers and customs officers in achieving the feat, the area controller disclosed that contrabands including foreign rice, fuel, foreign used clothes, foreign used tyres, cannabis sativa and arms worth over 51 billion naira have been seized by the command.

Mr Oramalugo further solicited the collaboration of Nigerians in providing useful information to further record more achievement and to protect the nation.

 

Crime

Two Smugglers Docked Over Attack on Customs Officers

By Web News 493

By Abisola Oluremi

Two suspected smugglers alleged to be involved in the shooting of some customs officers at Tafa village, in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State have been arraigned in court.

The suspects, Waliu Oladeji and Lateef Odugbemi are standing trial on a four-count charge before the Federal High Court, Adeoyo Ibadan.

The suspects were charged with shooting an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, one A.O. Ekundayo in the head and inflicting injury on others.

Other offences include shooting the vehicles of the Nigeria Customs Service as well as barricading the road to prevent arrest on the 22nd of May, 2023.

Speaking with journalists after the court sitting, the Director of Legal Service, NCS, Smart Akande noted that the acts contravened the country’s laws.

The counsels to the two defendants, Akeem Okelola and O. Sonibare agreed to the ruling of the court which adjourned the case till January 24th and 25th, 2024  to decide whether the suspects should be granted bail or not.

It would be recalled that there was a clash between some smugglers and officers of the NCS earlier this year in the Ibarapa Area of Oyo State which resulted in the arrest of two suspects while others are still at large.

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Security

Customs ACG Decorates New Mgt Members

By Web News 360

The acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has decorated the newly appointed management team of the service.

In a statement on Tuesday Adeniyi charged the decorated management team members to redouble their commitment and dedication to the success of the service.

The President, Bola Tinubu, had last week approved the appointment of six new management members of the NCS.

However, Adeniyi in the statement, said the appointments of the three Deputy Comptrollers-General and three Assistant Comptrollers-General were due to their exemplary dedication and commitment to service.

Adeniyi while decorating the officers, charged them to heighten their devotion and determination in promoting the NCS.

He said, “The newly promoted officers know that there are high expectations on them. Therefore I urge them to renew their dedication and commitment to add value to the Nigeria Customs Service.” he said.

Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, Festus Okun, in his vote of thanks on behalf of the newly appointed members, expressed his appreciation to President Tinubu for the unwavering belief in their capabilities.

He assured the President that they will discharge their responsibilities with utmost professionalism.

Independent / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Security

Tinubu Constitutes Customs’ New Management

By Web News 392

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new management team for the Nigeria Customs Service.

This is coming weeks after the President appointed Adewale Adeniyi as the acting Comptroller General of Customs and retired some of the management members of the service.

In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, the appointees include three Deputy Comptroller Generals and three Assistant Comptroller Generals.

In the statement, Adeniyi while thanking the retired members of the management for their meritorious service, congratulated the newly appointed officers.

He charged them to redouble their efforts to ensure the service achieves greater heights in its mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and trade facilitation.

The appointed officers are DCG FO Okun, DCG MBA Musa, DCG A Hamisu, ACG K Olumoh, ACG AB Mohammed, ACG A Alajogun,

Punch / Oluwayemisi Owonkoko

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Crime

Customs Impounds Pangolin Scales Worth N432m

By Web News 609

The Zone D of the Federal Operations Unit, Nigeria Customs Service, Bauchi State, has seized contraband Pangolin scales with a Duty Paid Value of N432 million.

Mr. Umar Abdullahi, Public Relations Officer of the Zone, disclosed this at a news conference on Monday in Bauchi.

He said the Pangolin scales weighed about 216 kilogrammes, adding that the seized goods contravened section 63 of the Customs and Excise Management Act CAP 45 Laws of Nigeria.

“The Comptroller, FOU Zone ‘D’ Bauchi, Mr Joseph Adelaja, acting on credible intelligence, deployed operatives who raided a makeshift shop at a motor park along Sangere-Yola axis in Adamawa State on May 11, and evacuated four sacks and one small sack of Pangolin scales.

“The evacuated sacks of Pangolin scales were weighed to be a total of 216 kg with a total Duty Paid Value of N432,000,000,” he said.

Abdullahi said the general public should understand that illegal wildlife trade was contrary to the provisions of the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna, especially items which pangolins fall under.

The spokesman said the unprecedented seizure was achieved as a result of sharing of information, intelligence gathering and doggedness of the personnel in making the zone unbearable for smugglers.

“Let me use this medium to plead with well-meaning Nigerians to assist in providing genuine information that can aid in eradicating the menace of smuggling in the zone and the country at large.

“I want them to know that eradicating smuggling in this country will boost the economy, which in the long run will enable the Federal Government to provide social amenities for the citizenry,” Abdullahi explained.

He also warned smugglers to leave their nefarious activities and get a better trade to earn a living.

“The officers and men of the FOU Zone D of the Nigerian Customs Service, under the leadership of Adelaja, will not rest on their oars,” Abdullahi stressed.

Culled / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Crime

Customs Intercepts N98m Cannabis, Rice in Ogun

By Web News 345

The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 21 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice in the first quarter of 2023.

The Controller, Bamidele Makinde, confirmed this during a press conference at the NCS headquarters in Abeokuta on Thursday.

According to Makinde, the Command recorded a total seizure of 181 goods, including 12,610 bags of smuggled rice (50kg and 25kg), which he said was an equivalent of 21 trailer loads.

“it is pertinent to state that from the above total bags of rice, we made a spectacular seizure of 740 bags of Chinese rice of 25kg each, stockpiled in a warehouse in Sagamu axis of Ogun State on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 2230hrs,” Makinde said, asking Nigerians to be careful in order not to consume anything that could “hamper their health”.

The NCS boss stated that 1,1446 cartons of imported cigarettes labelled and addressed in Chinese language were also impounded within the period under review.

Other seizures made in the first three months of this year are: 77,250 litres of petrol; 29 units of used vehicles used in conveying smuggled goods; 29 pieces of artifacts; 73 bales of second-hand clothing; 14 sacks of foreign used shoes; 900 pieces of foreign used tyres; 1,120 frozen poultry products; 240 pieces of body creams and 1,382 wraps of cannabis sativa, Makinde told newsmen.

He added that the duty payable value (DPV) of the seized items is N704,482,601, representing 61 per cent increase compared to the (N432,337,690) DPV of the items seized in the first quarter of 2022.

Makinde explained that the command generated a total sum of N44,857,053.50 as revenue between January and March, 2023; consisting of duties collected on merchandise in baggage, auction sales of scrap vehicles and petroleum products.

In comparison, the above generated revenue is higher than the sum of N5,512,901.50 collected as revenue same period in the year 2022,” he said.

While reiterating that the revenue activities of the command comprises importation and exportation of legitimate goods under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and assessment of merchandise in baggage, the Controller maintained that the command is working hard to promote export business in order to shore up the forex earning of the country.

Culled / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Crime

Customs Intercepts 73 Trailer Loads of Foreign Rice in Ogun

By Web News 543

The Nigeria Customs Service says it has generated more than fifty-eight million naira through import duties and auction sales of petroleum products in the last eleven months.

The Customs Area Comptroller, Ogun Area One, Mr Bamidele Makinde announced this to journalists at Idi iroko while highlighting the achievements of the Command during the period under review.

Mr Makinde explained that the Command was also generating revenue from its operations in the importation and exportation of goods under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, ETLS and assessment of merchandise in baggage.

The Customs Area Controller, who estimated the Duty Paid Value of seizures recorded by the Command during the period to be above four billion naira, attributed the success to the effective deployment of intelligence with intensive round-the-clock surveillance and patrol activities. 

Mr Makinde said the contraband items intercepted by the Command included 73 trailer loads of foreign rice, 6 units of used Trucks, more than 16 thousand kegs of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called Petrol and hard drugs. 

He commended the continuous support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Retired Colonel Hameed Ali and other critical stakeholders towards sustaining the fight against smuggling.

Olusegun Folarin

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Security

Law Enforcement Agencies Team Up Against Insecurity

By Web News 687

As part of steps to ensure a safe society, security agencies in Oyo state have synergized to wage war against insecurity.

General Officer Commanding, 2 division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Aminu Chinade, made this known during a joint security route match by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in Oyo state.

The General Officer Commanding, who spoke through Garrison Commander, Brigadier General Nsikak Edet, said the exercise became necessary to create a formidable team in tackling insecurity. 

General Chinade said the action would help security agencies to interact and know their respective roles.

He promised to respect the relationship among the sister agencies and make use of it judiciously. 

 In a message delivered by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Jimoh Moshood, the Commissioner of  Police in Oyo state, Mr Adebowale Williams said the gesture would send a signal to Nigerians that security agencies were on top of their game at reducing criminal activities in the state. 

Contributing, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC Commandant, Mr Micheal Adaralewa, noted that the joint route march was an unprecedented action which showed they could all work in unity to protect the lives and property of the entire citizenry.

Other security agencies which were part of the joint route march include The Nigeria Airforce, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Correctional Services,  Federal Road Safety Corps,  FRSC as well as members of the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC.

Rasheedah Makinde

Crime

Customs to Sanction Officer in Viral Assault Video

By Web News 662

The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service has been drawn to a video making the rounds on social media. In it, one of our officers was recorded assaulting an unarmed civilian.

This action took place on the Benin – Agbor expressway on Saturday the 7th of May 2022 at about 5.00 pm.

National Public Relations Officer, DC Timi Bomodi in a statement signed on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs said that the officer and other members of the team from FOU Zone ‘C’ have since been withdrawn from patrol duties and are currently under administrative investigation at the NCS Zonal Headquarters Zone ‘C’ Port Harcourt.

The statement says Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been trained to carry out their duties with dignity and respect, and are expected to display decorum in all their conduct at all times. Where they fail to carry out their brief as assigned, appropriate sanctions are applied to enforce discipline.

The NCS would like to reassure the general public of its commitment to the welfare and safety of all citizens and frowns seriously at any act by its personnel capable of misrepresenting its corporate image.

The statement calls that all law-abiding persons go about their activities without fear of intimidation or harassment as we work assiduously to bring closure to this unwholesome incident.

NCS Facebook/Olaolu Fawole



Security

NCS Seeks Public’s Cooperation in the Fight against Smuggling

By Web News 944

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, wants the support of Nigerians and communities to check the activities of smugglers and put an end to the crime.

The Customs Area Controller, Ogun One Area Command, Mr. Dera Nnadi who made the appeal in Abeokuta, said the command had taken delivery of ten new operational vehicles as part of efforts to enhance the fight against smuggling.

Customs Area Controller, Ogun One Area Command, Mr. Dera Nnadi displaying one of the new vehicles given to the command

Mr. Nnadi while interacting with journalists on the activities of the command in the last month, solicited the continued support of stakeholders especially the traditional institutions in sensitizing their followers to the dangers inherent in smuggling.

The Customs Area Controller who acknowledged the efforts by the Comptroller General of Customs towards boosting anti-smuggling operations with the provision of the vehicles emphasized that the support of Nigerians was crucial to winning the fight against those he described as economic saboteurs.

Mr. Nnadi noted that if not checked, the activities of smugglers could hinder the federal government’s rice policy and promised that the command would not relent in its fight against the crime, especially ahead of the Yuletide period, during which he observed that there was usually a rise in smuggling activities.

He said the Ogun One Area Command had recorded the seizures of contraband items with the cumulative duty paid value of 172, 999, 387 naira in the last thirty-six days.

Mr. Nnadi listed the items recovered to include 12 trailer-loads of 50 kilograms of foreign parboiled rice, 300 litres of vegetable oil, bales of used clothing and shoes, petroleum products and cartons of foreign poultry products as well as 124 book size and 165 coconut size packages of Cannabis Sativa.

Olusegun Folarin

Crime

Customs Calls for Investigation into Murder of Officer in Ogun

By Web News 643

The acting Comptroller of Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Mr. Hussein Ejibunu has directed an investigation into the murder of a Customs officer over the weekend at Owode-Yewa area of Ogun State by suspected smugglers.

The Acting Controller while speaking on the incident reiterated his resolve to keep suppressing smuggling and arresting perpetrators of the criminal act.

Mr. Ejibunu said the killing will not deter customs under his leadership from carrying out it’s statutory functions in the interest of national security and economy.

He added that seizures of smuggled wares and arrest of suspects will continue until the perpetrators change to legitimate trades.

The acting comptroller explained that the officer was killed during an operation after two vehicles laden with smuggled foreign parboiled rice were seized and being taken to Lagos.

He noted that one of the vehicle developed mechanical problem and was being fixed by the officers when the suspected smugglers mobilised themselves in a large number with arms, charms, stones and other dangerous objects to murder the deceased officer.

He stated that the body of the deceased officer had been deposited in a mortuary while investigations had also commenced.

Wale Oluokun

Crime

Customs React to Clash between Smugglers, Officers in Iseyin

By Web News 534

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has confirmed the clash between some of its officers and some smugglers in Iseyin.

DAILY POST had earlier reported that no fewer than four people were killed in Iseyin, Oyo State during a clash between some Customs officers and smugglers.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred Thursday afternoon when some residents were still celebrating the Eld-Fitri festival.

Sources informed that the four people died as a result of gunshots sustained after customs officers engaged smugglers.

The Customs’s officers allegedly began to shoot sporadically after intercepting smuggled goods coming through the borders.

Some of the residents and groups in the town had condemned the action of the customs officers.

But, Customs in its reaction to the incident, argued that officers who were on routine patrol intercepted two Nissan Pathfinder SUV vehicles fully loaded with smuggled foreign parboiled rice at Iseyin.

Spokesman of NCS, Zone A, Theophilus Duniya in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Friday, explained that the mob attacked the officers with dangerous weapons which led to the infliction of serious injuries on two officers.

He said the mob attempted to abduct one of the officers who was brutally attacked.

“At about 1500 hours of Thursday, 13th May 2021 some daredevil smugglers mobilized themselves with the help of some thugs; attacked a patrol team serving with Federal Operations Unit Zone A, who were on lawful duty at Iseyin.

“The officers who were on routine patrol intercepted two Nissan Pathfinder SUV vehicles fully loaded with smuggled foreign parboiled rice at Iseyin. Sequel to the interception, the officers were attacked by a mob who were mobilized by the smugglers.

“The mob attacked the officers with dangerous weapons which led to the infliction of serious injuries on two officers. In an attempt to abduct one of the officers who was brutally attacked.

“The assailants had taken the injured officer with his rifle before his team members acted in self-defence, shot at his suspected abductors leading to the death of three of them before he was rescued and taken for immediate medical attention.

“The officers were able to successfully evacuate the intercepted smuggled rice, while the injured officers are currently receiving treatment.

“The Acting Controller of the Unit, DC Usman Yahaya, is sad about the avoidable incident and urges community leaders and parents to call their wards and youths to order.

“While appealing for compliance to extant rules, he assured of the resolve of his men to remain resolute on discharging their duties in the best interest of Nigerians.”

Dailypost