- Hussein Ejibunu displaying one of the intercepted vehicles at the FOU ‘A’, Ikeja…Tuesday
By Anthony Nwachukwu
In a renewed anti-smuggling campaign, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it intercepted 3,653 x 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent of 6.5 trailer loads) and 23,025 litres of PMS among 60 seizures worth approximately N854 million in January 2024.
Also seized were 11 units of used vehicles, 104 units of Haojuo motorcycles, 1,490kg of Indian Hemp, 1,220 cartons of foreign tomato paste, 983 pieces of used tyres, 556 cartons of slippers and 241 bales of used clothes, among others.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos, the Area Controller, Compt. Kehinde Hussein Ejibunu said the unit discovered and burst new smuggling hotspots, adding that 10 suspects were arrested in connection with some of the seizures.
He disclosed that the sum of N83,141,803.60 was recovered through demand notices on under-declared/under-valued consignments within the period.
Attributing the records to the unit’s continuous and renewed vigour in fighting smuggling, Ejibunu added: “We activated an enhanced intelligence gathering and information sharing mechanism, and were able to identify some new smuggling hotspots and schemes employed by smugglers.
“This strategy yielded 60 seizures worth a total duty paid value of N854,156,712. The status of these goods was found to have contravened different sections of the Customs Act (2023). While some were expired at the time of importation, others flouted the import statutory guidelines.
“The general public is encouraged to be aware of the consequences of smuggling and its harmful effects; it is this awareness that would help to reduce the demand for smuggled goods and discourage individuals from participating in smuggling activities.
“Having established the fact that smuggling is a crime which affects the general wellbeing of the nation, it becomes compelling for all patriotic citizens to join the enforcement and regulatory agencies to curb the menace.”
