Ogun Customs Confirm Seizure Of  N398m Contrabands, Generate N30m

By Babatunde Solanke

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, in October, seized 122 contraband goods worth N398m, just as it also generated N30m as revenue, through baggage assessment and auction sales of seized petroleum products.

This shows a significant increase of N24,921,200.00, which is over 400% increment when compared with N5,487,076 revenue generated within the same period last year.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun Area 1 Command, Deputy Comptroller Amadu Shuaibu, made this disclosure on Wednesday while addressing newsmen at the Idiroko area of the state.

Shuaibu listed the seized goods to include a total seizure of 122 items comprising 901 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Marijuana or Indian hemp and 500 pieces of foreign-used pneumatic tyres,
commonly known as Tokunbo tyres.

Others are 23 units of vehicles used as means of conveying prohibited goods and five foreign used vehicles commonly known as Tokunbo and 4,684 bags of foreign parboiled rice in 50kg each, which is an equivalent of eight trailers loads among others.

 “From October 1 to 31, 2023, the command generated the total sum of N30,408,276.00 as revenue, through baggage assessment and auction sales of seized petroleum products.

“In comparison with the amount of N5,487,076.00 collected in the corresponding period of the year 2022, there is a significant increase of N24,921,200.00, which is over 400% increment. We are able to achieve this feat due to our unwavering commitment to trade facilitation and robust stakeholders engagement.

“Our resolve to remain resolute in anti-smuggling fight has enabled the command to record a total seizure of 122 items comprising 901 parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as Marijuana or Indian hemp; 500 pieces of foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, more commonly known as Tokunbo tyres; 23 units of vehicles used as means of conveying prohibited goods and 5 foreign used vehicles commonly known as Tokunbo; and 4,684 bags of foreign parboiled rice in 50kg each, which is an equivalence of 8 trailers load, among others.

“We are pleased to inform you that, during the period under review, the Duty Paid Value of the seizures recorded by the command amount to N398,470,687.00. Our success story is attributed to the enabling working atmosphere created by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team.

“As a matter of fact, we recently took delivery of eight Toyota Land Cruiser trucks, provided by the CGC to enhance our anti-smuggling operations. Other factors responsible for our achievements was the strategic deployment of our gallant Officers and Men, deployment of intelligence and collaborative efforts of the sister agencies, and other critical stakeholders,” Shuaibu said.

According to Shuaibu, the persistent seizure of Cannabis Sativa, foreign-used pneumatic tyres and other dangerous goods, is a testimony of the command’s relentless efforts and resilience in preventing the teeming youth from harmful substances which could either truncate or render their lives useless.

He also disclosed further that these achievements underscore the unwavering commitment of Nigeria Customs in contributing to the economic development and national security of the nation.