The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted smuggled goods worth N468,706,602 within just 17 days in March, according to the Command’s Controller, Comptroller Joseph Adelaja.
Adelaja disclosed this at a press briefing on Monday, held at the command’s operational headquarters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
“I am pleased to inform you that, within the last 17 days after the command’s maiden press briefing under my leadership, the command has once again recorded a significant seizure of foreign parboiled rice, cannabis sativa, used tyres, used clothes, used shoes, and used compressors with a Duty Paid Value of N468,706,602.,” he stated.
The comptroller attributed the success to effective intelligence sharing between the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Customs Police Unit, and the collaboration of key stakeholders in the fight against smuggling.
Among the seized goods were 2,030 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N223,300,000, hidden inside three heavy-duty trucks.
“Notably, those foreign parboiled rice were concealed in three heavy-duty trucks. Unfortunately, these trucks were used to smuggle prohibited items.
“These illegal activities do not only undermine the nation’s economic development but also pose serious threats to the safety and well-being of our citizens,” Adelaja said.
He called on stakeholders and patriotic citizens to remain committed to supporting the fight against smuggling, emphasizing that the Command would not relent in enforcing compliance with Customs laws.
Adelaja advised transport companies to install tracking systems in their vehicles to monitor their movement and prevent their use for smuggling.
The Comptroller issued a stern warning to smugglers, urging them to desist from activities that harm the nation’s economy, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to enforcing compliance with Customs regulations.
He thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his support in ensuring efficient service delivery. He also appreciated Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, for providing an enabling environment for the Command’s operations.
Adelaja also commended the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command for their resilience and dedication in combating smuggling, as well as sister security agencies for their continued cooperation.
