The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ikeja, has made significant seizures and arrests in its ongoing anti-smuggling drive.
Comptroller Kola Oladeji announced that the unit seized donkey skins, used clothing, parboiled rice, cannabis sativa, and arrested 14 suspects.
The Comptroller attributed the success to intelligence gathering and proactive measures to confront smugglers. He emphasised that smuggling undermines national security, economic development, and social well-being, and vowed to remain unrelenting in the fight against smuggling.
In July 2024, the Command made 70 seizures worth a Total Duty Paid Value of 8.1bn, including tramadol, machetes, poultry products, imported vehicles, and premium motor spirits. The revenue generated for the month was 1mn, with a 245% increase compared to the corresponding year in July 2023.
The Comptroller noted that smugglers are desperate to smuggle premium motor spirit out of the country, but the Command has dealt with them. The seized PMS was disposed of through open auctions, and the proceeds were paid into the Federation Account.
The tramadol and cannabis sativa seized will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.
The Comptroller urged Nigerians to shun smuggling and make honest declarations to avoid consequences.
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