Nigeria Customs Service seizes contraband worth N67m in one week

Temitope Adebayo

The Acting Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Usman Yahaya has said about N67 million worth of contraband has been seized by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) through its anti-smuggling operations.

The items seized by the customs between January 7th and 14th includes 2,065 jerry-cans of vegetable oil (25 litres each); 1,185 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice; 1500 jerry-cans (25 litres) of diesel, with duty paid value of N67 million along various unapproved routes within its areas of coverage.

According to Yahaya, the command was able to achieve this feat as a result of the credible intelligence used. The actions carried out include blockage of all revenue leakages, trade facilitation, and intensification of anti-smuggling operations at various entry points: seaports, land borders, and airports within the South-West zone.

The Ag. Controller of Customs called on all members of the public to support the fight against smuggling by giving necessary information when the need arises. Guardian reported that he also warned smugglers against their continuous smuggling activities and urged them to desist from engaging in illegal trade.

Yahaya was redeployed from his position of Coordinator of Strike Force, Zone ‘A’ to FOU ‘A’ as the Acting Controller. This was a part of the command’s strategies to re-jig and reposition the Service for greater efficiency and effectiveness, especially in the areas of revenue generation, trade facilitation as well as combating smuggling which looks like it is paying off now.

Yahaya was enthusiastic about his new post as he thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ibrahim Ali, and the entire management team for considering him worthy. He assured that he will work continuously and tirelessly with all officers to end smuggling and take the command to the next level.