The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the arrest of 60 suspected smugglers and the interception of significant contraband, including 218,575 liters of Premium Motor Spirit and 62 trailer loads of rice.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday the Acting Area Controller of the Unit, Deputy Comptroller Hussein Kehinde said the unit’s efforts during the first half of 2023 also resulted in the recovery of N400 million in revenue through demand notices. These
He said the seizures made by Customs FOU Zone A, were both substantial and diverse. Notably, he said the unit confiscated 36,742 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to 62 trailer loads, some of which were transported through unconventional means such as bush paths, motorcycles, and rickety vehicles. Additionally,he stated that the unit intercepted 14,015 parcels of Indian Hemp, 1,064 bales of used clothing, 450 drums of carbide weighing 106 kg each, 2 containers of unprocessed wood, 1,448 pieces of foreign rugs, 30 units of used motorcycles, 44 units of used vehicles (Tokunbo), 860 cartons of foreign poultry products, 218,575 liters of PMS, and 833 used tires.
DC Hussein Kehinde emphasized the unit’s determination to intensify efforts against smugglers in the second half of 2023, employing intelligence-backed enforcement strategies to identify and apprehend recalcitrant traders and their agents. Alongside the seizure of illicit goods, he informed that Customs FOU Zone A has successfully convicted 11 suspects through the Federal High Court for offenses including improper importation, assault of Customs officers, possession of foreign parboiled rice, and possession of Pangolin scales intended for export. Other smuggling and related cases are currently being prosecuted in various courts, with diligent follow-up by the unit.
Expressing gratitude to sister security agencies for their cooperation, the acting CAC specifically acknowledged the Department of State Security Services – Oyo State Command for the recent arrest of a notorious suspect who had been on the unit’s wanted list. This apprehension highlighted the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in combating criminal activities.
DC Hussein Kehinde urged members of the trading community to prioritize compliance, avoiding any actions that would place them on the wrong side of the law. He emphasized the importance of staying informed about import and export prohibition lists, as ignorance would not serve as an excuse when caught engaging in illicit activities.
