DC Shuaibu Intensifies Anti-Smuggling Efforts in Ogun State

DC Shuaibu Intensifies Anti-Smuggling Efforts in Ogun State
……records seizure of 1,128 parcels of Cannabis, 2,169 bags of Rice, others

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a significant move against economic sabotage and insecurity, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun I Command, under the leadership of Acting Customs Area Controller DC Mohammed Salisu, has achieved notable successes in its anti-smuggling operations. During his maiden press conference at the Command’s Headquarters in Idiroko, DC Salisu announced the interception of goods with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N229,112,424.00.

DC Salisu, who recently assumed office, emphasized his commitment to professionalism, integrity, and a renewed focus on curbing smuggling activities. He attributed the Command’s achievements to strategic intelligence gathering, surveillance, and collaboration with patriotic Nigerians, highlighting the support and leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
In the past few days, the Command has seized a variety of smuggled goods, including:

2,169 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each)
1,128 parcels of cannabis sativa (1,109.3kg)
21 bales and 2 sacks of used clothes
166 pieces of pneumatic tyres
4,360 cartons of imported shoes
250 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) (25 litres each)
20 units of vehicles used for smuggling
1 foreign-used vehicle (2012 model Toyota Highlander)
These items were intercepted at key smuggling hotspots such as Idiroko, Ilaro, and various axes in Abeokuta.

DC Salisu highlighted the significance of these seizures:

Foreign Rice: The illegal importation of rice undermines Nigeria’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and disrupts local rice production.
Cannabis Sativa: Smuggling cannabis poses severe risks to public health and safety, fueling criminal activities.
Used Clothes: The importation of used clothes is prohibited due to health hazards and its negative impact on the local textile industry.
DC Salisu issued a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators, urging them to desist from illegal activities or face the full weight of the law. He assured the law-abiding public and legitimate traders in Ogun State that the Command’s operations are targeted exclusively at offenders, and that legitimate trade would be encouraged to foster economic growth.

In his concluding remarks, DC Salisu expressed gratitude to the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the management team for their support. He commended the officers and men of the Ogun I Command for their dedication and resilience, urging them to remain vigilant and disciplined. He also called on the press to continue their critical role in educating the public on the dangers of smuggling and economic sabotage.

“Together, we will safeguard our economy, protect our communities, and uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service,” DC Salisu affirmed, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to its mandate.
Hammed Bukoye Oloyede
Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer of the Command made this known in a statement on Thursday
19 December 2024.