Customs foils smugglers’ operations during lockdown in Ogun state
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun State Command Area 1 on Friday disclosed that, smugglers ingeniously explored the difficult terrain with SUV vehicles to convey smuggled items into the country inspite of the lockdown..
Penpushing reports that, the Customs Area Controller for Ogun Area 1,Michael Agbara made this known at a press conference held at the customs headquarters in Idi-Iroko, adding that, the authority was able to dislodge the routes and equally seized some contrabands from the smugglers
‘It is important to bring to the notice of the public that during the lockdown, some daredevil smugglers ingeniously explored the difficult terrain with SUV vehicles to convey smuggled items into the country’, he said.
Penpushing further reports that, Agbara declared that, the command remain resolute and committed in ensuring that its critical functions of implementing Federal Government Policies geared towards safety and well-being of the populace remain unabated .
The controller noted that, the year 2020 is globally surrounded with health and economic challenges in which Nigeria is not an exception, adding that inspite that,, the command within the period of 1st January to 31st March, 2020,the command generated a total revenue of N37, 878, 000.00 from direct auction of seized 293,015 litres of PMS, 625 litres of Diesel and 19 Jerri cans of kerosene (25kg each).
‘All the aforementioned seizures of petroleum products were meant for illegal exportation in defiance to extant Federal Government policies. It is important to note that all items imported into Nigeria for home use are not permitted to be exported
Penpushing also reports that, he said, the command in the spirit of interagency cooperation, intercepted 176 sacks, 1, 790 Parcels, 80 compressed books packs 28 compressed coconut packs and 4 wraps of cannabis sativa (Indian Hemp),adding that the said items were seized by Officers and Men of the Command at different locations along the border areas in Ogun state.
‘Furthermore, the Command Special Taskforce, intercepted nine vehicles (7 SUVs Nissan Pathfinder and 2 Mazda) fully loaded with smuggled parboiled rice. The proactive activities of Officers and Men in Command led to remarkable seizures of such categories of vehicles conveying smuggled items’.
‘As a responsive and responsible Service, we remain resolute and focused in making sure that economic saboteurs are brought to their knees’, Agbara said.
Penpushing also reports that he commended the synergy existing between its personnel and Officers of Operation Ex-Swift Response (OSR), FOU Zone ‘A’, CGC Strike Force, Sister Agencies and other stakeholders.
‘Finally, I wish to once again reiterate our resolve to continue rendering our service to the public with utmost patriotism and commitment. It is our prayers and enthusiasm that the world will overcome this pandemic (COVID-19) and bounce back towards the path of good health and economic well-being’, he said.
