The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A”
said on Monday, that it has arrested 49 suspected smugglers and seized goods worth over N18 billion within the last two week of December 2024.
Addressing reporters in Lagos, its Area Controller, Kola Oladeji, said the 49 suspects were arrested in connection with seizure of the prohibited items.
He said: “These achievements underscore our determination to protect the Nation’s economy and security against illicit Cross Border Trade and movement around our Borders.
“We have been working relentlessly to improve smuggling detection methods, leveraging on intelligence to stay ahead of smugglers and prevent the importation of prohibited and harmful products..
Oladeji said: “The newly inaugurated “Operation Swift Sting” has recorded remarkable success in the fight against illicit Cross Border Trade with impressive smuggling with impressive arrest in just two weeks.
“Through this operation, he said, “we arrested a significant amount of cannabis Sativa, 4,010 bags of foreign parboiled rice in with 50kg bag each, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), along with other contraband items.
“It is clear that “Operation Swift Sting” is delivering unbearable heat to the smuggling cartel at the same time ensuring facilitation of compliant Trade with impressive outcome.
“Ninety-four (94) Defendants, the Area Controller said, “were arrested in connection with some of the seizures, and 6 persons have been convicted for various offences.”
This, he said: “Demonstrates their quest to bring perpetrators to justice and also ensure deterrence from illicit Trade.
“707 seizures worth a total Duty Paid Value of Eighteen billion, Seven hundred and Ten million, One hundred and Forty-three thousand, Eight hundred and One naira, Twenty-four kobo (N 18,710,143,801.24) were intercepted from January 2024 till date.
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Prominent among the seizures, the Controller said, “Are:48,912 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each191,975 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)7,861 kg of Cannabis sativa6,168 pieces of dry donkey skins37,630 sachets of Tramadol207 units of Motor Vehicles{ Some of which were arrested for short payment of Duty and later cleared after payment of outstanding Duty}6,755 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products1,433 bales of used clothes1,773 units of used refrigerator compressors317 cartons of illicit medicament
“In addition to the seizures, he added, “so far in 2024 we collected revenue through careful documentary checks and issuance of Demand Notices to consignments that were found to have underpaid Customs duty.
“The sum of one billion, twelve million, seven hundred and eighty three thousand, four hundred and thirty seven naira, twenty one kobo N1, 012, 783, 437.21 was generated through these efforts.
“This also underscore the importance of careful monitoring and intelligence at preventing smuggling and ensuring that all imports are properly declared and taxed.
” Smuggling operations that employ ingenious concealment methods could have significant impact on the Nation’s economy and security if not checked with modern intelligence tools. Hence, the Service is calling on all citizens to support its anti-smuggling efforts by providing useful and timely information on illicit Cross Border Trade.
“In the course of fighting the menace of smuggling, we also raised awareness about its dangers and the importance of complying with Customs regulations. We remain resolute in protecting the nation’s Economy, Security and Health through coordinated synergy with relevant stakeholders.
I commended the cooperation and support of all Smsecurity agencies, nedia practitioners and other stakeholders, and the general public in providing timely information support and advice.
He also gave thanks our to the Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his Management for their unending and unflinching support to achieve these great feat.” Your effort is making a significant impact,” he said.
