The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone ‘A’ Lagos, has generated a whopping N1.8 billion within six weeks in which it also arrested nine suspects.
While briefing newsmen about the NCS’ renewed crackdown on illegal trade practices, Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said the milestone was achieved in 102 enforcement interventions.
Represented by the Assistant Controller General of Customs, Kehinde Ejibunu, Adeniyi revealed that about N96.6 million was recovered from underpayments during the period under review, with the nine suspects arrested at sundry locations within the Lagos axis between 3 June and 18 July.
Adeniyi gave the breakdown of the intercepted goods which included 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) – equivalent to 6 trailer loads, 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp), 7,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit – in 316 jerry cans of 25 liters each.
Others are 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing, 41 sacks and bags of used footwear and 14 units of used vehicles.
Also intercepted during the period under review are 148 pieces of used tyres, 42 used gas cylinders, 31 units of air conditioning systems and 95 cartons of frozen poultry products.
The Special Unit also indicated the interception of 1X40FT container with container number TRHU 83907321 fully loaded with used tyres, 1X20FT with container number ONEU241369 containing medicaments, 2X40FT with containers numbers MSKU 4796036, MAEU 9205708, and one truck with container body conveying used fridges, foreign supermarket items and used clothes.
The interception drugs were handed over to a representative of the National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency, Mr. Nasir Bungudu, during the conference.
According to Adeniyi, while five of the suspects had to be granted administrative bail, four others have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He commended the commitment, dedication and sacrifice of the officers of the unit whom he said risk their lives daily to secure ‘our borders and protect the national economy.
‘In addition to our enforcement duties, the Unit also ensures compliance with import and export regulations.
‘We have continued to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under-valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where appropriate’, he said.
He further noted that beyond the enforcement duties of the FOU A, the unit also facilitates genuine and legitimate trade
‘While we maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation.
‘We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth, ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process.
‘The milestones we’ve recorded are a testament to the Nigerian Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring national security’, the Customs further said.
Also clarifying the need to grant administrative bail to certain category of suspect, Controller of the Zone ‘A’, MS Shuaibu, said the law forbids holding some suspect beyond a certain period of time.
According to him, other suspects yet again may be facing some kind of proven health issues that may warrant urgent medical attention. ‘You have to release such suspects temporarily with the assurances that they will be available whenever the need arises’.
