The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, Lagos, generated N5.9billion from its anti-smuggling operations last year, and arrested 179 suspects.
Speaking with newsmen on Monday, its Area Controller, Mohammed Uba Garba, said the unit intercepted contraband with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N4,004,258,331.52 between January and December last year.
The unit recovered N1,956,022,531.65 from duty payments and demand notices on goods imported through seaports, airports and land borders.
“In 2017, we arrested 179 suspects in connection to these 1,046 different seizures comprising foreign parboiled rice, frozen poultry products, vegetable oil, smuggled vehicles, Indian hemp, arms, fake pharmaceutical/medicaments and various general merchandise.
” In spite of the challenges we faced last year, we happy to say that we recorded the highest seizures and revenue so far in the history of Federal Operations, Ikeja, ” he said.
Mohammed attributed the feat to the leadership provided by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali, and his management team for their efforts in recognising hard work and putting square begs in square holes.
Without the Management motivation and necessary logistic support, he said, “we won’t have achieved this feat within this period.”
The Controller also commanded the commitment and diligence of his officers and men for thwarting the antics of some dare devil smugglers who used different methods to deceive the service.
Mohammed urged his officers to be professional and diligent in carrying out their responsibilities.
“All hands must be on deck in the fight against these economic saboteurs who mean no good for the economy. We appreciate the efforts of all security and sister agencies like the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, NDLEA,NAFDAC, SON and their cooperation towards winning the war against smuggling within our area of operation,” he said.
