The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command has confiscated 103 contraband with a duty paid value of N380.37m in 23 days.
The Area Controller of Ogun 1 Command, Comptroller James Ojo, disclosed this during his maiden briefing in Abeokuta on Thursday.
According to the controller, these contrabands include 2,922 bags of rice; 22600 liters of petrol; 90 sacks of cannabis sativa, commonly called Indian hemp; 1,596 used tyres; 1603 cartons of frozen poultry products; 32 bales of used clothes; among others.
He stated that the command during the period collected N14.63m as revenue, adding that the seizures were made in line with the anti-smuggling posture and war against all forms of economic sabotage and threats to national security of the country.
He said that since taking over on April 16, the command under his watch doubled up on intelligence gathering and hit the ground running, leading to modest success recorded within the three weeks of his assumption of office.
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Ojo said, “During the period under review, the command made a total seizure of 103 items comprising 90 sacks and 1,309 parcels of cannabis sativa; 1,596 pieces of foreign used pneumatic tyres; 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each; 32 bales of used clothes, 1,603 cartons of frozen poultry products, and 22,600 liters of Premium Motor Spirit, among others.
“The cumulative duty paid value of the seized items amounts to N380,370,911. It is of essence to state that the aforementioned items were intercepted at different locations within Ogun State, with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of our intelligence network, such as the Customs Intelligence Unit, DSS, and others.”
The controller, however, attributed a drop in revenue generation to low trading activities across the border, noting that efforts were being made towards addressing challenges identified to be hindering the flow of trade.
He remarked, “We are hopeful that all that we are doing to address these challenges will enhance our revenue profile significantly. Let me use this medium to encourage our compliant traders to remain steadfast and be assured of our maximum cooperation. Our doors are widely open for consultation and required support.’’
He warned economic saboteurs to steer clear of smuggling activities and embrace legitimate trade, as anyone caught in the act would be made to face the wrath of the law.
He maintained that the command remained committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people.
