Clamp Down Galore On Smugglers by Gambo Aliyu’s Men
By Ovie Edomi
The overwhelming seizures of smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.24 billion and recovering of N728.98 million in revenue from importers involved in false declarations and other customs infractions by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Nigeria Service, has left another joy in the hearts of Comptroller Gambo Aliyu and his men.
Indeed, the seizures which were made through intelligence-driven operations and enhanced surveillance carried out by the Unit across its area of responsibility, according to the press release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs, CSC, Hussaini Abdullahi, ANIPR on behalf of the Customs Area Controller of Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, was achieved by sharpened risk profiling, rigorous compliance checks, and targeted strikes against suspicious declarations. He equally noted that the Unit’s unrelenting commitment to protecting local industries, securing government revenue, as well as keeping Nigeria’s trade corridors free of contraband led to the seizures.
The seizures include 4,956 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each which is the equivalent of eight trailers load. Others are 12 foreign-used vehicles; 2,683 parcels of synthetic cannabis (Sativa) weighing 1,439.9kg; 49 parcels of Ghanaian Loud weighing 26.1kg; one parcel of crystal methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg; 13 parcels of granular cannabis weighing 1.35kg; 240,000 tablets of Tramadol; 12,000 tablets of Hypnox; 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg; 964 25-litre jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), equivalent to 24,100 litres; 26 cartons of foreign vegetable oil containing four 5-litre units each; 686 cartons of foreign poultry products; 414 bales of used clothing; and 2,947 pieces of used tyres, among other prohibited and smuggled items.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, while reacting on the seizure, noted that the revenue recovered was encouraging and he reaffirmed the Unit’s determination to identify and recover revenue lost through under-declaration, false declarations, and other forms of customs fraud. He urged importers, exporters, and licensed customs agents to ensure accurate declarations and full compliance with extant customs laws and regulations, stressing that the Unit would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while taking decisive action against individuals and businesses engaged in smuggling and revenue evasion.
Furthermore, Compt Aliyu noted that the interception of foreign parboiled rice, vegetable oil, poultry products, foreign-used vehicles, used clothing, and other prohibited goods would contribute to protect domestic industries, support national food security, and safeguard legitimate government revenue.
He equally described the interception of illicit drugs, unregulated pharmaceutical products, and other substances as contribution to protecting public health and prevent the circulation of substances that are capable of undermining the wellbeing of Nigerians, particularly young persons .
Compt Aliyu also attributed the successes recorded during the period to enhanced intelligence gathering, risk profiling, inter-agency collaboration, intelligence fusion, and the cooperation of stakeholders and members of the public. He assured traders and importers who operate in compliance with Customs rules to remain committed to creating a fair, predictable, and transparent trading environment while promising a
balanced framework that combines robust border enforcement with trade facilitation.
Comptroller Aliyu emphasised that FOU ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, is committed to supporting the Federal Government’s economic objectives by protecting domestic production, promoting compliance, facilitate legitimate trade, and prevent the entry and circulation of prohibited and harmful goods.
While calling on stakeholders for sustained partnership, he told the business community and the general public that the FOU Zone A would continue to sustain its zero-tolerance approach to smuggling, revenue fraud, and other forms of economic sabotage. He says emphasis would be on collective compliance and vigilance so that the Unit would consolidate on the gains recorded in revenue recovery, border protection, public safety, and contribution to national economic growth.