… Arrests 23 suspected smugglers
The Federal Operations Unit Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service in Lagos has continued its vigorous anti-smuggling exploits in January 2022 with seizures worth N4,590,312,335 (duty paid value) and recovered N192,010,155.73 as revenue within 5 weeks
Speaking to journalists in Lagos at his first media briefing for the year, Acting Controller, Deputy Comptroller Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu disclosed that 4 customs officers serving in the unit lost their lives in the course of anti-smuggling activities last year.
Ejibunu said a total of 23 suspected smugglers were arrested out of which 5 were given administrative bail while 18 are in the unit’s custody.
He said the unit’s anti-smuggling and revenue recovery activities will increase this year due to the support and logistics upgrade it received from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Management and Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd.).
DC Ejibunu who condemned the murderous acts of killing customs officers by smugglers and their sympathizers also said the long arms of the law will not spare perpetrators of such killings and that the unit will not be deterred in the performance of its duties to Nigeria .
Giving a breakdown of the seizures, Ejibunu listed the following items as follows: 9,697 bags of 50kg each, 3,173 cartons of basmati rice at 5kg each and 297 bags (25kg) Foreign Parboiled Rice; 1,076 kegs at 25litres of PMS; 195 bales of used clothes; 51 parcels (39.5KG) Indian hemp and 68 sacks of used clothes.
Others, according to the acting Controller are: 2,535 pieces used tyres; 17 units of used vehicles; 206 used compressor, 7,557,400 tablets of 225mg Tramadol; 7 units used motorcycles; 21 bales of new bed sheet and 57 units used plasma TV.
He said, “While many travelled to enjoy the yuletide season, our operatives were out there in the field to prevent illicit items from being smuggled into the country. From 23rd December, 2021 till date, a lot more have been seized thereby setting the stage for today’s press briefing.
“Despite the ups and downs, the Unit waxed on positively in the fight against smuggling as witnessed by you all. It is only regrettable that we lost 4 gallant officers in the line of duty that same year.
“If there is anything the Unit will not condone, it is to lose any of our officers to smugglers this year. New approach and tactics strictly to our chest will be deployed this time around. Smugglers are by this warned to stay away from smuggling.
“Our zeal to perform even better this year is predicated on the untiring support we get from the CGC – Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) and his management by way of welfare, capacity building, insurance scheme and provision of logistics.
“We are equally well equipped with relevant sections of Customs and Excise Management Act CAP C45 LFN 2004 as amended to perform our legitimate duties without fear or favour.
“Some of such provisions are; Section 158 which gives us power to patrol freely; Section 11 – power to arrest and prosecute anyone seen to obstruct officers from performing their duties; Section 46 – Power to seize; Section 147 – Power to enter any premises without search warrant and many more.”
The Controller called on members of the public to always support the NCS with credible intelligence that would lead to arrest of smugglers and prevention of prohibited goods from entering the country.
Highpoint of the briefing was taking reporters to the government warehouse and other areas where the seizures were kept.
Photo 1: Acting Controller of FOU A, DC Hussein Ejibunu fielding questions from the press during the media briefing today at Ikeja, Lagos.
Photo 2: DC Ejibunu showcasing some of the seized container of tyres during the press briefing today.
Photo 3: DC Ejibunu showcasing some of the seized truckload of rice during the press briefing today.
Photo 4: DC Ejibunu showcasing some of the seized truckload of rice during the press briefing today.
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