The crack team of anti-smuggling officers that was put together by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko has raked assorted seizures in excess of N 2, 043billion in one month of heightened anti-smuggling operations in different parts of Lagos and neighbouring Ogun state.
According to the leader of the team which is code-named Quick Response Team, Assistant Comptroller, Hassan Shallangwa, the group seized two units of 40ft container loaded with second hand clothes, a 40ft container of new motor spare parts, furniture, perfume and garments concealed with used motor cycles and a 40ft container of new mini truck tyres concealed with used vehicles.
Other items seized included: eight cars loaded with assorted textile materials, four units of second hand car and four units of 40ft container fully loaded with high quality furniture.
the team also seized four units of LT busses and two cars loaded with frozen poultry destroyed, which have all reportedly been destroyed in the presence of other statutory agencies like NAFDAC, Police and
State Security Service (SSS).
A statement issued in Lagos at the weekend and which was signed by Customs deputy public relations officer, Mr Joseph Attah, explained that the seizures were made at different spots along the ever-busy Apapa-Oshodi expressway in Lagos, Idiroko and Seme borders. He also added that some suspects are currently in detention in connection with the seizures, while a thorough investigation has been directed by the
Comptroller-General to unmask the persons behind the crime
Patrol leader, Assistant Comptroller Shallangwa said that the feat was made possible by the continuous support and determination of the Comptroller-General of Customs to ensure compliance with all import and export regulations.
Shallangwa however expressed disappointment over the attitude of some
Border residents who support smugglers against Customs Officers by
Providing information about their movements and even help to attack
Officers thereby obstructing lawful duties
He called on border dwellers to see Customs Officers as friends as
they are working to secure the economic and security well-being of the nation.
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