From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, yesterday, said the Anti-Smuggling Unit of the command intercepted and confiscated prohibited goods ranging from psychoactive drugs, live ammunition, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, foreign parboiled rice, frozen poultry products and foreign-used tyres, among other smuggled items.
The Customs Area Controller in charge of the Command, Comptroller James Ojo, who stated this while briefing newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on the activities of the command, said the operatives of the command in recent operations successfully intercepted 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa; 940 rounds of live ammunition; 44,466 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tires.
Others seized items, according to Ojo, include 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes; 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, 7,015 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 21 units of vehicles, three units of motorcycles, and 115 pairs of used shoes.
While putting the Duty Paid Value (DPV) on the seized items at N770,666,237.00, the Customs Area Controller noted that the seizures are not just numbers, but representation of the command’s relentless fight against smuggling as well as its determination to protect the local economy, ensure public health and safety, and uphold the integrity of the country’s borders.
He reiterated that his command will sustain the fight against smuggling of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp, into the country because of its devastating effect on the lives of the consumers, especially the youths.
“The rise in its abuse is of great concern within Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal activities”, Ojo pointed out.
He, however, said the health implications of consuming frozen poultry products preserved with chemicals and smuggled into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin can be severe and multifaceted. The Customs’ boss listed the potential health risks in consuming prohibited poultry products to include chemical contamination, food-borne illnesses, antibiotic resistance, nutritional deficiencies, allergic reactions and public health risk.
While attributing the successful interception of the prohibited items to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven approach and the robust strategies the command has put in place, he noted that such approach aligned with the Comptroller General’s emphasis on innovation, employment of advanced techniques and technologies to stay ahead of smugglers and other economic saboteurs. Ojo also informed the newsmen that Ogun 1 Area Command generated N92,369,227.00 million for the second quarter of 2024.
“Interestingly, this revenue represents about a 52.46% increase compared to the N53,983,622.00 recorded in the corresponding period of 2023. In addition, the command surpassed the monthly revenue target of N34,122,666.90 in June 2024 by 77.86%. This achievement is a testament to the diligence, commitment, and professionalism of our officers and men who have worked tirelessly to ensure that we meet and exceed our revenue targets”, he added.
He stressed that the impressive revenue generation was also indicative of the unwavering commitment of men and officers of his command to the economic growth and development of Nigeria.
“This success aligns perfectly with the policy thrust of our Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, who has championed the principles of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation. His visionary leadership and enabling support have been crucial in enhancing our capabilities and driving these impressive results”, Ojo submitted.
The Customs controller commended the traditional rulers in Ogun State and other sister security agencies for their support and collaboration in the fight against smuggling and other economic crimes. Ojo, who praised the Comptroller-General of the NCS for his enormous support and remarkable leadership qualities, equally lauded officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their hard work, dedication, and professionalism.