SHUAIBU HITS THE GROUND RUNNING; AS IDIROKO COMMAND INTERCEPTS N1.267 BILLION AMMUNITIONS, DRUGS & OTHER PROHIBITED GOODS
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Live ammunitions, assorted drugs featured prominently among N1.267,504,035 seizures intercepted by the Idiroko Customs command last year. Also, the command generated huge revenue hitting N275,835.406 through diligent checks by the eagle-eyed officers.
Anti-smuggling expert and Controller of the command, Comptroller MS Shuaibu disclosed to newsmen today while handing over some of the drugs to relevant government agencies.
He noted that the revenue was actualized through the collection from baggage assessment, proceeds from auction sales of premium motor spirit (PMS) as well as vehicles.
ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATIONS
Through intelligence-driven operations and the dedication of our officers, we intercepted and seized the following items:
a. Foreign Parboiled Rice, 50kg each – 16,712 Bags
b. Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – 139,881 Litre
c. Live Ammunition – 940 Rounds
d. Cannabis Sativa – 71 sacks and 3,253 Parcels
e. Used Clothing – 586 Bales
f. Vehices used for conveyance – 86 Units
g. Foreign Used Vehicles – 18 Units
h. Used pneumatic tyres – 2,150 Pieces
i. Donkey Skin – 760 Pieces
j. Frozen Poultry Products – 3,766 Cartons
k. Imported Flour – 85 Bags
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures amounts to N1,267,504,035.
These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our officers to combating smuggling activities, protecting the economy, and safeguarding the wellbeing of our society. As we began the new year, our focus has remained on consolidating the gains of 2024. I am pleased to inform you that, from the 1 January to 27 January 2025, the command recorded significant seizures.
These seizures include 2,002 bags of smuggled rice weighing 50kg each, 6,180 pieces of cutlasses, 6375 litres of PMS, among others. The intercepted items during this period bring the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) to N77,476,185. These seizures reflect our relentless efforts to curtail smuggling activities and enforce compliance with customs regulations.
As part of our inter-agency collaboration, we are handing over intercepted parcels of cannabis sativa to the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command. The items include:
a. Coconut Size – 1,019 Parcel
b. Book Size – 25 Parcels
c. Bread Sized – 140 Parcels
This handover is in line with our commitment to strengthening partnerships with other security agencies to combat drug trafficking and ensure a safer society.
He used the opportunity to appreciate the continuous support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr fniia psc+. It is my pleasure to also commend the officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
Your hardwork and commitment have been instrumental in achieving these milestones. May I equally extend my profound gratitude to our esteemed stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the media for your continued support and collaboration.
He urged the general public to join hands with the Nigeria Customs Service by
providing timely and credible information to help us combat smuggling and other
economic crimes. Together, we can build a prosperous nation where compliance is
the norm, and criminality has no place.
Conclusion
As we continue in 2025, we remain resolute in delivering on our mandate to
protect the economy, ensure security, and contribute to national prosperity. Let me
assure you that the Ogun I Area Command will not relent in its efforts to combat
smuggling, facilitate legitimate trade, and generate revenue for national
development.