By Oyeniyi Iwakun
The Kirikiri Light Terminal (KLT) Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has again saved the nation from what could have contributed to turbulent security threats as it intercepted a container concealed of Military Uniforms imported from China.
The military uniform and camouflage were concealed in a container and falsely declared as manifested polyester materials but it was discovered during physical examination of the container by officers of the command last month.
While handing over the concealments to the Department of States Security (DSS) at Ports Express, the KLT Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Lami Wushishi, said two suspects (an agent and a representative of the importer) were arrested in connection with the seizure.
“The container was brought in from China, and was containing Two Hundred and Twenty (220) packs of Polyester materials and One hundred and Fifty (150) Packets of thread but on examination we discovered that about Seven Hundred and Thirty Two (732) rolls are plain green army uniforms and Six Hundred and Sixty Six (666) are camouflage for army and Joint Task Force (JTF).
“In the spirit of inter-agency collaboration, we are handing them over to the Department of States Security (DSS) for further investigation”, the CAC said.
Comptroller Lami who bemoaned illegal importation of such “sensitive materials” to the country at a critical moment that the nation is confronted with numerous security challenges urged the importers and exporters to be truthful and sincere with declarations as customs will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the system is sanitized.
“Army uniforms are exempted from pay of duties under schedule two (2) of items exempted from duty payments. So, It beats my imagination and l say why would they conceal army uniforms if they don’t have ulterior motives? You need to have permit before bringing in these items because they are regulated”. She said
“If you are to import anything, all we ask from you is proper declaration and when a container is certified to have been declarated rightly (clean and clear), it will be released within 24hrs.
She therefore assured the public of the KLT Customs command’s readiness to serve the people, facilitate legitimate trade with seamless ways of doing business
When quizzed further by MMS Plus, the KLT CAC said the command has experienced a turnaround in its revenue generation as it has met its target for the year in less than eight months.
“We now rake in more than 1.2 Billion naira monthly which is far above our Eight Hundred Million Naira target. In fact we have met and even exceeded our target for the year. Anything we are getting now is extra” Comptroller Lami said.
