- Records Improved Revenue of N92.3M
- Confiscates Arms, Drugs, other Contrabands worth N770.6M
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) tends to have declared war against smugglers specialized on illicit arms and hard drug peddlers across the Ogun State border as recent development of huge seizures across borderlines in Ogun axis shows a move in this direction.
Comptrolller James Ojo, CAC, Ogun Area One (Idiriko) Command
Smugglers and economic saboteurs are finding times extremely difficult for their illicit business of smuggling, fraudulent imports, and trading of offensive items, due to consistent bombardments emanating from operatives of Ogun Area One (Idiroko) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) against their illegal activities.
Under the watchful eyes of the current Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller James Ojo whose advent has continued to posit a no nonsense posture against activities of smuggling, and other acts of economic saboteurs, as the command had experienced robust performance feat in terms of seizures of contraband items, as well as nipping in the bud of offensive items such as Arms & Ammunition, hard drugs, unapproved medicaments imports, IEDS materials, others, that are inimical to the corporate existence of the nation.
Similarly, the command has also so far recorded spectacular feat in its revenue collection mandate, even though it is clearly noted for an anti-smuggling assignment considering its location which border neighboring Benin Republic, a notoriety for smuggling activities.
For Comptroller James Ojo, who sits atop the nation’s most daring Smuggling hotbed seat of Ogun Area One (Idiroko) Command of the Service as the Customs Area Controller (CAC), thinking out of the box to achieve maximum feat and at same time minimize casualties is top on his agenda, even though he had since assumption of office few months ago showcased several spectacular seizures worth millions of naira.
In the command’s recent briefing to showcase its achievement in the second quarter of year 2024 the CAC elatedly disclosed that the command posted huge revenue into federal government coffers, as no less than N92,369,227.00 was generated by the command in the period under review.
He however said that the collective efforts and unwavering dedication of officers and men of the command through our concerted efforts and strategic operations was responsible for the unique feat.
Comptroller Ojo showcasing tyre seizure
A delighted Comptroller Ojo further announced that the impressive revenue of N92,369,227.00 interestingly, represents about 52.46% increase, when compared to the revenue of N53,983,622.00 recorded in the corresponding period of 2023.
In addition, the CAC said the Command surpassed the monthly revenue target of N34,122,666.90 in June 2024 by 77.86%.
This success aligns perfectly with the policy thrust of our Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr fniia psc(+), who has championed the principles of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation. His visionary leadership and enabling support have been crucial in enhancing our capabilities and driving these impressive results.
In addition to revenue generation success, the CAC said the command’s the enforcement activities have also led to significant interceptions of prohibited goods. He explained that from recent operations, his field operatives successfully intercepted 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 44,466 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tires, and 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes. Other interceptions include 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, 7,015 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 21 units of vehicles, 3 units of motorcycles, and 115 pairs of used shoes with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N770,666,237.00.
“These seizures are not just numbers; they represent our relentless fight against smuggling and our determination to protect the local economy, ensure public health and safety, and uphold the integrity of our borders”, the CAC said.
He also recalled his maiden press briefing held on 9 May 2024, where the CAC highlighted the adverse effects of smuggled cannabis sativa and foreign-used pneumatic tires on the citizenry, and these include Cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp. He explained that, it is psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant, which has a devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths.
Furthermore, he said, the rise in its abuse is of great concern within Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal activities.
Another significant seizure made by the unit is Foreign-used Pneumatic Tires, more commonly known as Tokunbo tires, which he said are ring-shaped protective coverings made of rubber and filled with compressed air, typically used in foreign countries and shipped into the country after use overseas. He lamented that these tires are deemed unsuitable for our highways because a significant number of them have exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing dates.
Continuing, he said, according to safety experts, good quality pneumatic tires are safe for use for only four years from the date of manufacturing, and that any usage beyond this duration poses a significant risk to motorists and puts their lives in jeopardy.
In addition to the above highlights, Comptroller Ojo also spoke on the seized smuggled frozen poultry products, as he pertinently stated that its consumption have serious health implications.
“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the health implications of consuming frozen poultry products preserved with chemicals and smuggled into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin can be severe and multifaceted”, he said.
According to his lecture, he placed some of the potential health risks to include:
a. Chemical Contamination. Smuggled poultry often lacks proper regulatory oversight, increasing the risk of harmful chemicals being used for preservation. These chemicals, which can include formaldehyde and other preservatives, can be toxic if ingested, potentially causing acute and chronic health issues, including poisoning, cancer, and organ damage.
b. Foodborne Illnesses. The lack of proper hygiene and temperature control during smuggling can lead to the proliferation of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E.coli, and Listeria. Consuming contaminated poultry can cause foodborne illnesses, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, hospitalization or even death.
c. Antibiotic Resistance. Poultry smuggled from regions with poor regulatory controls may have been treated with antibiotics not approved for use in food animals. This can contribute to the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant public health threat as infections become harder to treat.
d. Nutritional Deficiencies. Smuggled poultry products may not meet the nutritional standards required for healthy consumption. Poor handling and preservation techniques can degrade the nutritional quality of the meat, leading to potential deficiencies when consumed regularly.
e. Allergic Reactions. The use of unknown or banned chemicals in preserving smuggled poultry can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms can range from mild skin irritations to severe anaphylactic reactions, which require immediate medical attention.
f. Public Health Risks. The consumption of unsafe, smuggled poultry products can strain public health systems due to increased incidences of foodborne illnesses and other health complications. This can lead to higher healthcare costs and resource allocation challenges.
Comptroller James Ojo however stated that, the interception of these prohibited items is a clear indication of the effectiveness of the command’s intelligence-driven approach and the robust strategies they have put in place, which ultimately aligns with the Comptroller General’s emphasis on innovation, as they continue to employ advanced techniques and technologies to stay ahead of smugglers and other economic saboteurs.
Similarly, the CAC said the interceptions underscore the importance of continuous vigilance, collaboration, and the need for a united front in the fight against smuggling and other economic crimes.
“As we reflect on these achievements, it is essential to recognize that our success would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of our traditional rulers and security agencies in Ogun State. Your unwavering support, valuable insights, and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in our operations. It is in this spirit of collaboration that I embarked on a courtesy visit to our revered traditional rulers and security agencies”, he enthused.
He stressed that the purpose of these visits was to foster synergy and collaboration in combating smuggling and enhancing economic growth and national security. By working together, sharing intelligence, and leveraging our collective strengths, we can create a more secure and prosperous environment for our people. The support of our traditional rulers is invaluable, as they are the custodians of our cultural heritage and play a critical role in maintaining peace and order in our communities.
Speaking further about the security agencies, their partnership and unwavering commitment to duty are commendable. “Together, we have made significant strides in ensuring the safety and security of our borders. Our combined efforts are a powerful force against those who seek to undermine our economy and compromise our national security”, Comptroller Ojo said.
It would be recalled that Comptroller Ojo recently engaged in various collaboration visits to Alake, Traditional Rulers, Security Agencies in Ogun State.
As the battle against unwholesome activities of smuggling, especially within the land border axis rages on, the unrelenting enforcement arm of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have continued to up their game and skills, with several measures being adopted to be ahead of the perpetrators in their resolve to decimate the illegal trade.
This time around, the CAC is taking his measure a step further through a robust collaborative engagement efforts as he recently embarked on a massive courtesy visits to the Alake of Egbaland, as well as other esteemed traditional rulers, and not leaving out the sister security agencies within Ogun State.
Comptroller James Ojo pays homage to Alake
This strategic visits is aimed to foster sustainable collaboration and synergy to enhance economic growth and security along Nigeria’s borders with the Republic of Benin through intelligence sharing and collaborative anti-smuggling operations.
During his visit, Comptroller Ojo met with the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR, and other revered traditional rulers in Ogun State. He expressed deep appreciation for their unwavering support and emphasized the crucial role traditional rulers play in maintaining peace, order, and security within their communities. Comptroller Ojo highlighted the importance of leveraging the traditional institutions’ influence and insights to enhance border security and combat smuggling activities effectively.
Comptroller Ojo’s visit also included fruitful discussions with sister security agencies in Ogun State.
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