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By Oyeniyi Iwakun
About 112 different Seizures with the Duty Paid Value of one billion, three hundred and forty five million, five hundred and seventy two thousand, three hundred and thirteen naira has been made by Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
While briefing journalists in his Ikeja office, Lagos on Wednesday 13th June, 2018, the Area Controller, Comptroller Muhammed Uba Garba said the contrabands were seized between 16th May and June 12, 2018, as a result of reinvigorated anti-smugling operations of the unit.
15 exotic vehicles including 3 Toyota C-HR, 2018 models; 1 Toyota Camry LE, 2018; 1 Toyota Prado, 2018; 1 Toyota Hilux, 2017, 1 Pajero Jeep, 2017, 1 Mercedes-Benz, 2017, among others were intercepted and Seized, according to the controller.
Other seizures include: 9,049 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 15 trailers; 1,464 cartons of frozen poultry products; 870 jerrycans of vegetable oil; 273 bales of used clothing, 592 pieces of used tyres among others.
Comptroller Uba explained that the feat was achievable due to the command’s change in operational modalities and strategies via surveillance at the Creek, Water side, and at various locations in the South West zone.
The Comptroller reaffirmed his commitment to the sustainability of the tempo with a view to re-positioning and re-activating the anti-smuggling ambience of the Unit even as he eulogized the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali Ibrahim (Rtd), the entire NCS management team and the media for their unflinching support and partnership in terms of logistics, motivation, sensitization and educating the public on the dangers of smuggling to the nation’s economy.
“let me commend our officers who have put their lives on the line making these seizures possible, most especially the 15 trailers load of rice knowing fully well that it is a big battle at the Creek and bush paths. Their resilience and doggedness is highly commendable. ” he said.
