Customs Intercept N556m Worth of Contraband in Ogun State

In a significant clampdown on smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Joint Border Patrol Team, Sector 2, South West, has seized contraband goods valued at N556 million over the past month. These operations highlight the team’s ongoing commitment to combating smuggling and protecting Nigeria’s economy.

Seized Goods and Revenue Generated

The Coordinator of the team, Deputy Controller of Customs Mohammed Shuaibu, shared details of the seizures during a press briefing held in Ikeja. Among the intercepted items were 816 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 802 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. Other contraband goods included 285 bales of used clothing, 61 jumbo sacks of used shoes, eight used vehicles, and 674 kilograms of cannabis sativa.

Shuaibu disclosed that the total duty-paid value of the seized items amounted to N556 million. Additionally, the team generated N8.02 million through the auction of the intercepted PMS, which could not be stored due to its flammable nature.

Arrests and Prosecutions

In connection with the smuggled items, two suspects were apprehended and are under investigation. Furthermore, as part of efforts to tackle illegal migration, the team arrested 34 undocumented migrants within the same period. The individuals were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action.

Focus on Illicit Drugs

Highlighting the dangers of drug trafficking, Shuaibu emphasized the seizure of 674 kilograms of cannabis sativa in the Idi-Iroko and Imeko areas of Ogun State. He warned about the adverse effects of narcotics on individuals and communities, noting the strong links between drug abuse, organized crime, and societal instability. The intercepted narcotics will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

Call for Public Support

Shuaibu appealed to citizens to collaborate with customs authorities in curbing smuggling activities. He underscored the importance of public involvement in identifying smuggling networks and exposing routes used by traffickers. “Smuggling undermines our economy, fuels insecurity, and exploits vulnerable citizens,” he said.

Strengthening Border Security

Reaffirming the team’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, Shuaibu explained that customs officers have intensified patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering operations along border areas. These measures aim to disrupt smuggling operations, enhance national security, and protect public health.

“Our actions are driven by the Federal Government’s unwavering stance against smuggling and other economic crimes. We will continue to ensure the safety and stability of our nation,” he concluded.

The NCS’s sustained efforts against smuggling serve as a reminder of the critical role customs authorities play in maintaining economic and national security.