Comptroller MS Shuaibu, an Anti-Smuggling Old Horse, Combs Ogun Area 1 Customs with Venom … Fetches over N77.47M DPV worth Seizures of Cutlass, PMS, Rice, others in less than One month, N1.26bn in 2024 

Comptroller MS Shuaibu, an Anti-Smuggling Old Horse, Combs Ogun Area 1 Customs with Venom

… Fetches over N77.47M DPV worth Seizures of Cutlass, PMS, Rice, others in less than One month, N1.26bn in 2024                                            

With the emergence of Comptroller MS Shuaibu as Customs Area Controller (CAC) in Charge of Ogun Area 1 Idiroko command of the Nigeria Customs Service NCS, a familiar terrain for him, the die is indeed cast for perpetrators of nefarious activities, especially smuggling within the command’s jurisdiction.             

It is not a mere coincidence that in the span of one month of taken charge at the command, which covers the most notoriety axis for smuggling and its vices in the entire West African sub-region, the ebullient Anti-Smuggling czar had called for seizure press briefing in no less than three times.                      

It is highly noted that, the recent command’s operatives’ cracking down against smuggling and economic saboteurs is precise, with application of technical combing of the axis to reduce clashes.                 

Shuaibu Hands Over the seized Cannabis Sativa to NDLEA

His emergence as the CAC at the command even with the rank of a Deputy Comptroller of Customs among the pool of full Comptroller who are on ground shortly before he was decorated with his full Comptroller promotion rank speaks volumes, which is beyond reward for years of steadfast and dependable comradeship and ally, but has more to do with him being worth its onions through hard-work with decades of on the job steadfastness and dedication, a smart enforcement guru that was an unseen performance hands for most celebrated enforcement gurus, whether retired, or still in service.         

Meanwhile, Shuaibu’s infectious smiles and gentle mien has over decades became unmeant spoiler mechanism that paid off handsomely for him, as many have most times often misconstrued his enchantment attribute of gentle mien, and his oratory and hilarious nature and friendly gestures, but he has never hesitated to bare his fangs against any form of nefarious activities as his enforcement duties entails.                 

The Cutlass Seizure

At the most recent press briefing held yesterday Tuesday January, 28th, 2025 at the command’s border headquarters, this time around to showcase the Anti-Smuggling attainment of the command in the year 2024, as well as progress so far made in the new year, which was spiced with the handover exercise of Cannabis Sativa to officials of NDLEA, the gleaming Comptroller MS Shuaibu disclosed that over N1,267,504,035 Duty Paid Value (DPV) worth of offensive seizures were intercepted by operatives of the command within the reviewed period, most of which threatened the corporate existence of our nationhood.              

Comptroller Shuaibu revealed that the total seizures recorded in the outgone year 2024 amounted to One Billion, Two Hundred and Sixty Seven Million, Five Hundred and Four Thousand, and Thirty Five (N1,267504,035.00), even as the command despite lull in border business activities was able to attract a revenue collection that amounted to N275,835,406, which was actualized through proceeds from Baggage Assessment, Auction sales of seized Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS),as well as vehicles.        

The Rice Seizure

These achievements according to the CAC, underscore the command’s unwavering commitment to the Nigeria Customs Service’s core mandates of revenue generation, anti-smuggling, and trade facilitation.

While noting that the total revenue collection of N275,835,406 recorded in the fiscal year 2024, was attainable through the diligent efforts of the command’s officers and the cooperation of compliant traders, the N1,267,504,035 DPV worth of seizures in the period was achieved through intelligence-driven operations and the dedication of our officers.                 

However, the command’s performance so far in the ongoing year 2025, did not fell short of expectations considering the Comptroller MS Shuaibu’s antecedence as an Anti-Smuggling czar built over decades, while he noted that as they began the year, their focus has remained on consolidating the gains of 2024.   

To this, the CAC disclosed that a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N77,476,185 worth of significant contraband seizures were recorded in less than one month (i.e from January 01, 2025, to 27th).                                                                                                        

The breakdown of the recorded seizure, include 2,002 bags of smuggled rice weighing 50kg each, 6,180 pieces of cutlasses, 6,375 litres of PMS, among others. He explained that the N77,476,185 DPV worth of intercepted items is a reflection of his operatives’ relentless efforts to curtail smuggling activities and enforce compliance with customs regulations.

Seizures of Rice and their Means of Conveyance

The CAC however gave a breakdown of the entire N1,267,504,035 DPV seizures to include the following items: 16,712 Bags of 50kg each Foreign Parboiled Rice; 139,881 Litres Premium Motor Spirit (PMS): 940 Rounds of Live Ammunition; 71 sacks and 3,253 Parcels of Cannabis Sativa; 586 Bales of Used Clothing; and 86 units of Vehicles used for conveyance

Others are; 18 Units of Foreign Used Vehicles; 2,150 Pieces of Used pneumatic tyres; 760 Pieces Donkey Skin; 3,766 Cartons Frozen Poultry Products; as well as85 Bags Imported Flour.

Comptroller Shuaib at the briefing stated that, “These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our officers to combating smuggling activities, protecting the economy, and safeguarding the well-being of our society. “As we began the New Year, our focus has remained on consolidating the gains of 2024”, the CAC noted.    

Highlight of the briefing include the we are handing over intercepted parcels of cannabis sativa to the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, which the CAC stated as part of service inter-agency collaboration,     

He however handed over the under listed contraband items which include: 780 parcels of coconut-sized cannabis sativa; 225 parcels of book-sized cannabis sativa; as well as 160 parcels of bread-sized cannabis sativa.

He pointed that, “The handover is in line with our commitment to strengthening partnerships with other security agencies to combat drug trafficking and ensure a safer society”.

The elated CAC also used this opportunity to appreciate the continuous support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr fniia psc+, just as he also commended the officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication to duty, noting that their hard work and commitment have been instrumental in achieving these milestones.     

He also took time to extend his profound gratitude to the command’s esteemed stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the media as well for continued support and collaboration, while urging all to join hands with the Nigeria Customs Service by providing timely and credible information to assist in combating smuggling and other economic crimes.     

“Together, we can build a prosperous nation where compliance is the norm, and criminality has no place”, he said.

Shuaibu and his team however remained resolute in delivering on the mandate to protect the economy, ensure security, and contribute to national prosperity as year 2025 rolls on. He as well assured that the Ogun I Area Command will not relent in its efforts to combat smuggling, facilitate legitimate trade, and generate revenue for national development.