Story by Dili Utomi.
The Ogun 1, Idiroko Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made known some of its operational records through a press briefing by Comptroller Shuaib M.S, the Customs Area Controller of the Command. The CAC at the press briefing detailed the seizures made and the general performances of the Command over the past month.
Compttroller Shuaib said ” The Command has continued to prioritise stakeholder engagement in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. It is imperative that we continue to sensitive and educate the public on the pivotal role of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in fostering national security and economic stability. Alongside this, we will relentlessly enforce government policies in strict adherence to the law and international best practices. As many of you may recall from our last briefing, we declared our resolve to eradicate illegal trade in dangerous drugs and other contraband within our operational areas. Since that time, and within the past two weeks, our operatives have significantly increased their efforts to combat smuggling, leading to the successful interception of a variety of prohibited items”.
He continued “The Customs Service Act, 2024, specifically sections 6, 212, 226, 233, and 245, grants Customs officers significant powers, including the authority to patrol freely, seize smuggled goods, detain contraband items, condemn illegal goods, and enter premises. These legal powers have been crucial in enabling us to perform our duties with efficacy. Since assuming office at the Command, we have implemented various strategies that have resulted in numerous successful seizures, including:
a. Smuggled Foreign Rice: 2,145 Bags, which is more than 4 trailers load of rice.
b. Second-Hand Clothing: 612 Bales.
c. Used Tires: 843 Pieces.
d. Premium Motor Spirit (PMS): 6,625 litres which has been auctioned due to its combustible nature.
e. Cannabis Sativa in coconut sizes: 1,057 Parcels.
f. Cannabis Sativa in bread sizes: 159 Parcels.
g. Cannabis Sativa in book sizes: 2,074 Parcels.
h. Cannabis Sativa in sacks: 75 Sacks. This brings the total marijuana seized to 3,365 parcels and 75 sacks weighing 3,103.3kg.
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the entire seizures amount to N279,595,038.00”.
Compttroller Shuaib added “I am also pleased to announce that the Command has generated a total of N9,694,072 as revenue from baggage assessment and auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). This contribution to the national revenue is an important aspect of our duty to support the financial objectives of the Federal Government. In a bid to upscale the revenue profile of the Command, and by extension to enhance the economic growth as well as national security of the nation, I wish to highlight the recent stakeholders’ meeting held on 3 March 2025. During the meeting, we convened a crucial dialogue on the challenges affecting the free flow of legitimate cross-border trade. The meeting, hosted by Ogun 1 Command, brought together Customs officers from Ogun 1 and Benin, Secretary-General Inter-Border Security Forum, security agencies, and clearing agents from both Nigeria and the Benin Republic. This engagement was pivotal in identifying solutions to enhance trade and security at the Benin Republic-Idiroko border corridor”.
His words “In addition to the aforementioned seizures, it is with great responsibility that I inform you of the imminent handing over of 3,365 parcels and 75 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 3,103.3kg, as well as 88 cartons of codeine cough syrup, which have been seized by Ogun 1 Command operatives. These illicit drugs will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ogun State Command for proper disposal and further investigation. The items being handed over reflect the ongoing efforts of the Command to curb the distribution of illegal narcotics within the country, which pose significant threats to the health and safety of our citizens.These actions send a clear and unequivocal message to those who engage in illegal activities: the operatives of Ogun 1 Command will continue to carry out their statutory responsibilities with dedication, ensuring that such illegal enterprises do not thrive in our area of responsibility”.
The CAC vows that they will remain relentless in their fight against smugglers, that every tactic employed by criminals to circumvent security checks will be futile, as the NCS intelligence network, systematic monitoring, and operational mechanisms are robust and effective in identifying and tracking these economic saboteurs and their sponsors.
He added “Our primary focus will always remain on ensuring that our borders are secure and that national interests are protected. This also includes ensuring compliance with international trade agreements and safeguarding our national security. We are grateful to all Nigerians, particularly our local business communities, for their continued support. I also commend the media for their balanced reporting”.
Compttroller Shuaib extends his sincere gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management team for their continued confidence in their ability to execute their duties with excellence and dedication. He also expresses his sincere appreciation to the traditional leaders, sister security agencies, distinguished personalities, host communities, and the media for their unwavering collaboration and support in their fight against smuggling.
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