Customs Western Marine seizes goods and illicit items worth N352.9 million

The Western Marine Command, Nigeria Customs Service, says its officers and men confiscated goods and illicit items with a Duty Paid Value of N352,952,200 (Three hundred and Fifty two million, Nine hundred and fifty two thousand, two hundred Naira).

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller PN Ntadi, made this known while addressing the media in Lagos recently on the anti-smuggling activities of the command.

The seizures included:
Rice: a staple food item, often smuggled to evade import duties and destabilize local markets – 2,017 Bags (Duty Paid Value – N212,995,200,00)

Cannabis: a dangerous narcotic substance with serious social and health (Duty Paid Value – N50,505,000.00). Implications – 481 loaves.

Textiles and clothing: imported illegally to bypass taxes and duties, undermining legitimate local businesses – 72 bundles (Duty Paid Value – N71,280,000.00)

Sugar: an everyday necessity – 7 Bags (Duty Paid Value – N672,000.00)

Nine Boats with DPV of N17,500,000

According to Comptroller PN Ntadi, “the recent significant seizures made by our team in the course of our ongoing efforts to safeguard our borders, protect our economy, and uphold the rule of law. It is no longer acceptable to treat security lapses with levity especially now that Nigeria is contending with multiple Security challenges.

“Over the past few weeks, our disciplined and dedicated officers have conducted a series of targeted operations along our maritime routes. These operations have resulted in the interception of various shipments of illegal and smuggled goods, which threaten the economic stability and social well-being of our nation.

“This represents a significant blow to criminal networks involved in illicit trade and smuggling activities. They also reaffirm our commitment to protecting our borders and ensuring that lawful trade and commerce thrive within our economy.”
The Controller attributed the success to the motivation given to officers and men of the command by the Controller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, MFR psc+, enhanced intelligence gathering and improved collaboration with other security agencies like the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Marine Police and the Immigration Service.

“We also owe our success to the deployment of more patrol vessels along the coastlines and inland waterways.

“We remain vigilant and proactive, continually updating our strategies to counter evolving smuggling tactics,” Ntadi said.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illegal trade in our waterways. “Our collective efforts are essential in safeguarding our country’s economic integrity and social order,” said Ntadi who expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Bashir Adeniyi for supporting the fight against smuggling operations by providing critical resources and
equipment to the Western Marine Command.

According to him, “This support has empowered the Command to achieve remarkable successes in ensuring that smugglers have no safe haven on our waterways, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment for legitimate trade.

“We also want to extend our gratitude to our sister agencies National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Marine Police, and especially The Nigerian Navy who in synergy’s with us in the cause of our activities towards making our operation a success has been laudable.

“The Western Marine Command will not relent in its fight against smuggling and illegal activities. We are committed to upholding the laws of our land, protecting our citizens, and ensuring that justice is served.”