Ogun Customs seizes N398m in contraband, earns N30m

October saw the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, confiscate 122 illicit products worth N398m.

Baggage assessment and fuel product auctions brought in N30m for the command.

N24,921,200.00 is over 400% higher than N5,487,076 revenue from the same period previous year.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun Area 1 Command, Deputy Comptroller Amadu Shuaibu, announced this on Wednesday at a briefing in Idiroko.

Shuaibu seized 122 articles, including 901 packets of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana) and 500 pieces of foreign-used pneumatic tires (Tokunbo).

These include 23 cars used to transport illegal items, five foreign used Tokunbo, and 4,684 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to eight trailer loads.

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

“Compared to N5,487,076.00 collected in 2022, there is a 24,921,200.00 increase, or over 400%. Our dedication to trade facilitation and stakeholder involvement allows us to achieve this.

Our resolve to remain resolute in the anti-smuggling fight has allowed the command to seize 122 items, including 901 parcels of cannabis sativa, also known as Marijuana or Indian hemp; 500 pieces of foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, or Tokunbo tyres; 23 units of vehicles used to transport prohibited goods and 5 foreign-used Tokunbo vehicles; and 4,684 bags of foreign parboiled rice in 50kg each.

“We are pleased to inform you that the command recorded N398,470,687.00 in Duty Paid Value of seizures during the period under review. Encouraging working conditions set by Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi and his management team contributed to our success.

We recently received eight CGC-provided Toyota Land Cruiser trucks to improve our anti-smuggling efforts. The strategic deployment of our gallant Officers and Men, intelligence, sister agency collaboration, and other essential stakeholders also contributed to our success.

Shuaibu stated that the command’s continual seizure of Cannabis Sativa, foreign-used pneumatic tyres, and other dangerous products shows its tenacity in protecting the teeming youth from narcotics that could endanger their lives.

Shuaibu added that these accomplishments demonstrate Nigeria Customs’ dedication to economic growth and national security.