CAUGHT IN THE ACT:

The Comptroller General of Customs; Alhaji Dikko Abdulahi Inde yesterday paid an unexpected visit to the Tin Can Island  port command of the Service, where he caught some officers in compromising conducts and immediately yanked-off the rank of one of them.
The visit, which was devoid of the usual razzmatazz saw the Customs boss arriving at Tin Can Island port at about 11 am, from where he reportedly went on an unscheduled visit to some areas considered as notorious for under -hand dealings.

The Comptroller General of Customs; Alhaji Dikko Abdulahi Inde yesterday paid an unexpected visit to the Tin Can Island  port command of the Service, where he caught some officers in compromising conducts and immediately yanked-off the rank of one of them.
The visit, which was devoid of the usual razzmatazz saw the Customs boss arriving at Tin Can Island port at about 11 am, from where he reportedly went on an unscheduled visit to some areas considered as notorious for under -hand dealings.
Eyewitness reports confirmed the arrest of two officers whose ‘illegal duty’ allegedly included collecting bribes for their bosses.
Our correspondent also gathered that one of the two officers was demoted instantly for alleged illegalities at the’ Second Gate’ area of the port.
Sources disclosed that the officer was caught red handed by the Comptroller General of Customs.
It was also confirmed that the ill-fated officer was immediately handed over to the Enforcement unit of the command for further disciplinary action.
The Customs boss was reported to have been so shocked at the impunity that was demonstrated by the officer that he had to yank the uniform of the officer and ordered his subsequent arrest and detention.
Our correspondent also confirmed that the Customs boss, apparently shocked at the level of violation of Customs clearance guidelines, immediately directed  that both the Customs Intelligence Unit ( CIU) and the Enforcement Unit should no longer take part in cargo clearance procedure at the ports. He directed that they should be at their various offices and not be involved in routine of cargo clearance any longer.
Shipping Position Daily also confirmed that the Customs CG’s visit was at the instance of the Presidency, which had reportedly showed him series of petitions that were written, insinuating that corruption is thriving at Tin Can port.
However, the visit was not without its pains, as clearing agents experienced work stoppage throughout the duration.
The Customs chief’s  visit to both PTML and Tin Can Island Port commands affected clearing of consignments for several hours.
Shipping Position Daily gathered from agents at the port that the CG arrived at about 11am, and stayed till about 5pm.
Customs and Agents Relations Coordinator of ANLCA at Tin Can port, Alhaji Akanni Balogun lamented that the situation was unhealthy for business.
He also urged the Service to ensure that visitations should be separated from port business, because of the economic implications for the nation.
Balogun also alleged that, "it is not the first time the visitation of the CG has affected port operations”.