Anti-Smuggling: FOU ‘A’ Customs in ‘Show of Might’ against Smugglers, Economic Saboteurs

Anti-Smuggling: FOU ‘A’ Customs in Show of Might against Smugglers, Economic Saboteurs

… As Oladeji Showcases Gripping Interception of Bulletproof Vest, Hard Drugs, others Worth over N3.6b

The truck load of Bullet Proof Jacked with an officer wearing one as proof

The battle against activities of Smuggling and duty evaders as one of the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has in recent time assumed an intrigued dimension, especially with the wave of indiscriminate importation of offensive items such as arms, ammunition, hard drugs, military accoutrements, others, that tend to threaten the nation’s corporate coexistence, and its consequent seizures by Customs in recent times.

Comptroller IK Oladeji, Controller, FOU Zone ‘A’

One of the formations of the Service that is foremost in the battle against unwholesome activities of smugglers and economic saboteurs is the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, whose oversight operational functions cut across the entire south west zone, which commands over 70 percent of the country’s trade volume, and naturally attract huge smuggling and its vices.

With the recent redeployment that ushered in the present Controller of the Unit, Comptroller, Kola Oladeji and the seeming quietness that occasioned operations at the unit since he assumed office, many have thought otherwise about the ability of the new helmsman to deliver.

However, Comptroller Kola Oladeji had with some amazing enforcement developments emanating from the unit in recent times, proved many wrong with record of massive onslaught against these unscrupulous elements, without making much noise about such achievements.

Indian Hemp Seizure carefully loaded into makeshift segmented cabins of a truck, one of the antics of smugglers

In view of this, it was very instructive, as well as alarming the feat achieved by the Oladeji led FOU Zone ‘A’, when during the recent and second press briefing so far held at the unit on Thursday July 18th 2024, where he showcased quantum seizures most of which are highly offensive items worth over N3,636,594,600.00 in just one month.

Highly notable among the seizure are the interceptions of a truck fully loaded with Bullet Proof Jackets, huge Indian Hemp or Cannabis Sativa, Expired drugs, among others across the zone that tend to significantly threaten the well-being of our dear nation.

According to the Controller, the intercepted goods are damaging to the security, health and economic well-being of the country.

Quantum seizure of rice made by Oladeji led FOU ‘A’

He explained that security is the bedrock of Nigeria’s economy which underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving self-sustaining growth that would enhance the quality of life for all citizens.

“In furtherance of the Federal Government’s resolve to achieve this commitment, our dedicated officers executed a series of operations that resulted in the interception and seizures of 1,500 pieces of bullet proof jackets, 989 kg of Indian Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) and 5,229 cartons of expired drugs. These decisive and uncompromising actions took place at various times and locations within the South-Western States”, the no nonsense Controller disclosed.

Explaining further, Comptroller Oladeji recalled that some security and medical experts reported that people who take illicit drugs can lead to mental health cases, and are most often motivated for the wrong reasons; where extreme motivations could lead to loss of conscience that aids the commission of crimes. The intake of expired drugs can have serious health consequences on the kidneys and the liver, inclusive of the development of allergies and lowering of immunity.

Comptroller Kola Oladeji (R) and his Assistant Comptroller in Charge of Enforcement, AC Oguntuase during the briefing

“Worthy of note is the fact that under Schedule four (4) of the Customs Common External Tariff (CET), the importation of all kinds of military wares by individuals is under “absolute prohibition”. An End-User Certificate (E U C) is required for the importation of controlled items and products into Nigeria. An E U C is an undertaking by a purchaser/importer that any of the controlled items/products would be for lawful use within Nigeria; and must not be transferred or re-exported to any other entity or country prior written consent of the issuing authority, which is the Office of the National Security Adviser”, Oladeji also stated.

In his breakdown of the seized items, the Unit’s Controller said that 1,500 pieces of bullet proof jackets, 989 kg of Indian Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) and 5,229 cartons of expired drugs were recorded in the month of June under review.

Other seized items within the period of review include:

343,750 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS); 7,150 bags of foreign parboiled rice at 50 kg each; 32 units of used motor vehicles were intercepted; 120 bags of sugar at 50 kg each, as well as 3,560 cartons of poultry products.

The Controller also revealed that four (4) suspects were apprehended in connection with various offenses, including which also included violating import/export guidelines, concealment, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives.

Oladeji however put the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted goods amounts to Three Billion, Six Hundred and Thirty-Six Million, Five Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand, Six Hundred Naira (N3, 636,594,600).

However, the most intriguing aspect about the current achievements at FOU Zone ‘A’ under the watch of Comptroller Kola Oladeji was when he said no single shot was fired , nor death recorded in the course of all operations that brought about the feats. He has consistently maintained that no death of any officer or even the smugglers is worth the contraband goods. He said that, they maintained high profile information profiling in carrying out their assignments in most cases.  

Similarly, in addition to the vibrant anti-smuggling exploits of FOU ‘A’ under the watch of Kola Oladeji, the unit is also doing spectacularly well in the area of revenue recoveries for the zone, as he said that the Unit recovered a total sum of Sixty-two Million, Seventeen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy-five Naira, Eighty-two Kobo (N62, 017,875.82) in revenue for the month of June 2024.

He said the revenue achievement through Debit Notes (DN) raised on detained consignment found culpable of trade laws were recorded through meticulous documentary checks and the issuance of Demand Notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate Customs duties.

He however implored all patriotic citizens to provide useful and timely information that would lead to the arrest of illegal importation of military wares, illicit drugs and counterfeiting goods. Similarly, he urged importers and licensed agents to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their goods.