The Nigeria Customs Service headquarters monitoring team stationed at Idiroko axis has intercepted a truck laden with various prohibited goods including 626 pieces of used tyres and 152 cartons of ceramic tiles.
Others are 11 pieces of plastic bowls, 266 pieces of flower ports and 86 bundles of plastic containers among other items.
Making the disclosure during a media chat in Lagos, Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Turaki Usman said the team headed by Assistant Controller Yahaya Usman intercepted the truck with registration number AGB 106 ZD while acting on a tip off along the Lagos Shagamu expressway.
He said in line with the practice of ensuring 100 per cent physical examination on such suspected vehicles, the truck was taken to the unit’s warehouse in Ikeja where examination was conducted and the items were uncovered.
He said the goods have a duty paid value of N4.7million.
“From the physical examination, it became evident that all those other items were used to carefully conceal 626 fairly used tyres,” Turaki said.
The Customs boss explained that the goods were in contravention of sections 46 & 47 of the Customs & Excise Management act Cap C45 LFN 2004 even as he stated that investigation was being conducted to unravel those behind the illegal importation with a view to ensuring that all their illicit supply chains were blocked.
He commended the teams of both Idiroko and Seme axis for their consistent operational exploits and determination to collaborate with the unit in fighting smuggling.
Responding to questions on the recent attacks on Customs operatives by hoodlums, the Controller assured that the concept of Customs Community Cooperation (CCC) would be resuscitated and given top priority in view of its tendency to create a platform for sensitization and education of the various publics on the consequences of obstructing Customs operations.
He said that synergy with critical stakeholders is important for mutual understanding and cordial relationship between the NCS and community dwellers who according to him sometimes tend to be ignorant of the socio-economic consequences of smuggling.
Turaki promised to leave no stone unturned in his effort to completely eradicate smuggling in his area of operation even as he called for the support of all Nigerians through genuine information and intelligence in actualizing his mandate.
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