On Monday, the acting controller of the Nigeria Customs Service’s Ogun Area 1 Command, Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, stated that smugglers operating near the state’s border communities have lost at least N1.5 billion in goods seized by the command between January and September of this year.
Shuaibu, who bemoaned the massive loss, stated that if the money had been spent on legitimate trade, it would have boosted the economy of border communities and the country as a whole.
The Customs chief has also urged stakeholders, particularly youths from border villages, to join forces with the command in education efforts geared at combating smuggling in the area.
Represented by Deputy Comptroller Charles Ogunesan, Shuaibu made this disclosure while speaking at Idiroko Border in Ipokia Local Government Area during the 5th annual symposium organised by the Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration.
Speaking at the annual programme with the theme “Smuggling and Hoarding of Petroleum Products: Effects On Border Communities And National Security”, the Customs boss lamented the ceaseless attacks on NCS anti-smuggling operatives which he said had claimed many lives of the officers and left others with permanent disabilities.
He disclosed that the command had over the years, recorded several attacks ranging from blocking of access roads, mob action, and altercations with smugglers and their sympathisers often resulting in loss of lives.
“Over the years, the Command had recorded series of horrible and unwanted experiences in our line of lawful duties. We have lost scores of officers to death and permanent disability while our dear communities have also lost many of their members to the evil of this unfortunate demon called smuggling. It is high time we say no to smuggling considering the dangers inherent in it.”
He emphasised that youths’ involvement in the anti-smuggling crusade will also go a long way toward reducing the rate of avoidable deaths which the host border communities have had to live with “due to the evil of this unfortunate demon called smuggling”.
“It is high time we say no to smugglings considering the dangers inherent in it. It retards our economic development, hampers our social well-being and endangers our national security. I want you to know that the security and development of our dear nation are the responsibility of us all.”