Acting Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, Usman Yahaya, has promised to intensify the unit’s anti-smuggling operation just as he warned smugglers of the danger that lies ahead for them if they do not engage in legitimate trade.
Yahaya, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs, reportedly gave the warning as the unit announced the seizure of various contraband items worth N67 million from January 7 to 14.
According to a statement signed by the unit’s Public Relations Officer, Jerry Attah, on Wednesday, “Barely one week in office, his quest for outstanding performance using credible intelligence has begun to yield positive results with the interception of 2,065 jerrycans of vegetable oil 25liters each, 1,185 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 1,500 jerrycans (25litres) of diesel with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N67 million between January 7th -14th January 2020 along different unapproved routes within our areas of coverage.
“This feat is coming as a result of series of meetings held with our sectional heads, team/patrol leaders where he unveiled the management’s mandate bestowed on him which includes blockage of all revenue leakages, trade facilitation and intensification of anti-smuggling operations at various entry points: seaports, land borders, and airport within our areas of jurisdiction in the south west zone.”
Yahaya was quoted as saying that the fight against smuggling can only be won if all hands are on deck.