The Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service has uncovered new tricks deployed by smugglers in order to beat customs checks as it intercepted a waste disposal truck loaded with 534 pieces of used tyres.
The command also intercepted a smuggled L450 Jeep that was disguised with posters of a deceased person, supposedly going for burial in an operation led by Chief Superintendent of Customs, Ali, A.M and Superintendent of Customs Mwada, I.G along the Lagos-Badagry Express way.
Commenting on the seizures, Controller of the command, Comptroller Muhammed Aliyu said in a statement by the Public Relation Officer, Taupyen, Selchang yesterday that no amount of antics devised by smugglers will go undetected by his officers.
He said two suspects; Taofiq Oyewale and Segun Oyinola have been arrested in connection with the seizures and are currently undergoing interrogation and prosecution by the legal department of the Service.
Aliyu reiterated that the ban on importation of new and fairly used vehicles through the land border is still in force and would be sustained adding that implementing the policy is a task that must be carried out by officers of the command without compromise.
He warned that no amount of misrepresentation of this policy will deter the command in ensuring that new or used vehicles do not come through the land border except through the sea ports.
He said that the dare-devil smugglers who will not desist from using Seme route will continue to count their losses behind bars when arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.
The controller also emphasized the need to beef up security along the border considering the security threat of illegal importation of arms through the nation’s sea ports.
He disclosed that the border command is strategizing and deploying high level of intelligence and professional competence in order to foil any attempts of arm smuggling and other trans-border crimes into the country.
He enjoined stakeholders and community leaders to help the Service through credible information sharing in order to perform her functions effectively even as he cautioned youths to be careful not to allow their quest for money during the festive season drag them into illicit activities that will affect their future.
Aliyu charged all patrol officers to be more proactive during the yuletide season in enforcing the Service’s laws more than ever before.
He however cautioned officers to be professional in the handling and usage of firearms while on duty.