WE HAVE RECORDED SUBSTANTIAL ANTI-SMUGGLING FEATS, COMPT BALOGUN TELLS VISITING ZONAL CO-ORDINATOR
Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ Owerri, Comptroller BA Balogun yesterday played host to the Zonal Co-ordinator, ACG Dangaladima, reeling out the anti-smuggling feats recorded by the Unit in the last six months of this year. In a speech, he stated that seizure profile had shut up as even as he noted that notwithstanding the antics of economic saboteurs, the Unit is always steps ahead of them.
‘In the past months, we have recorded notable successes in the areas of anti-smuggling operations, intelligence-driven enforcement, and inter-agency collaboration’
Balogun disclosed that prohibited items seized so far by the Unit include foreign parboiled rice, second-hand clothing, used tyres intercepted through diligence and tactical precision. Spectacularly,, among the seizures were 3022 pieces of Dry salted Donkey skin with a Duty paid Value (DPV) of N3.6 billion, intercepted on April 28th 2025.
He stated that their revenue recovery efforts through demand notices and post-clearance audits have also yielded commendable results, contributing meaningfully to economic growth and development. These achievements are the product of teamwork, and in line with the policy thrust of the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, (MFR), of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
However, they recognizes that we still have much work to do. Smugglers continue to
evolve their strategies, and they remain proactive and concurrent in their operations
247. They must continue to invest in capacity building, data analytics and community
engagement, such as the service new Corporate Social Responsibility unit named
(Customs Cares) to sustain their momentum.
They are most grateful to the CGC and his management team for improving the
welfare of the officers, providing the requirements resources for the smooth
operation of the service, such as Operational vehicles, officers accommodation etc.
Sir, FOU Zone “C” Owerri, is faced with the challenge of lack of standard warehouse
for the storage and safe keeping of its numerous detention and seizures, occasional operational constraints, and the need for further motivation of officers and men.
For emphasis, the Unit does not have a single warehouse thereby resulting in putting
detention and seized items within and outside office premises, which posed a great
security challenges couple with the current security situation within the zone like the
activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and unknown gunmen, whose
targets are security personnel. But God has been helping us, he deposed.
Nevertheless, they are confident that with his support and the leadership of the
Comptroller General and his Management team. these issues will continue to receive
priority attention.
He acknowledged the presence of the Zonal Coordinator, ‘sir, your visit is a great morale booster for all of us. It re-affirms the importance of our role in national development and strengthens our resolve to do more’. They are inspired by his leadership, and they assured him of their loyalty, professionalism, and unrelenting dedication to duty.
He used the opportunity to thank and appreciate the Comptroller General of
Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the Management for the recent allocation of 6 new and 6 old Hilux vehicles to the Unit. This kind gesture will greatly reduce the logistics challenges faced by the Unit before now.
On behalf of the officers and men of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, the Compt
welcome everyone once again and thank them for this visit. ‘May your stay be fruitful and your observations serve as a compass for our continual improvement’, he said.
Your presence here today is not only an honour but a demonstration of your unwavering commitment to the growth, discipline, and operational efficiency of this great Service. It provides them with an opportunity to reflect on their achievements, address their challenges, and renew their shared mission of enhancing the nation’s revenue base and securing our borders against economic saboteurs.
He said, Zone C, covers a vast and dynamic terrain, one that presents both operational opportunities and significant enforcement challenges. Despite these, he is proud to report that the officers and men of this Unit have remained committed, vigilant, and resilient in discharging their responsibilities.