Acting Controller FOU ZONE A, DC Yahaya UB.
Story by Dili Utomi.
The Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service has continued its dogged anti-smuggling campaign with renewed intensity and determination. The Unit under the leadership of the Acting Customs Area Controller, DC Yahaya, U.B. has consistently sent the firm warning to smugglers to desist from carrying out their nefarious activities by always finding ways to stay one step ahead of the smugglers and beating them to it.
DC Yahaya examining one of the seized containers.
A breakdown of the seizures in the months between the 21st of April to 14th of July shows that these items were seized 14,789 bags of 50kg smuggled parboiled rice, 727 cartons of unregistered drugs, 2,784 cartons of frozen poultry products, 28 units of smuggled used vehicles, 116,000 litres (4,640 jerry cans) of PMS, 237 bales and 6 sacks of secondhand clothing, 20 cartons of Tramadol, 885 pieces of used tyres, 10,400 cartons of Alcoholic Beverages in 4 containers, 84 different kinds of vehicles laden with 50kg each smuggled rice, 5x20ft containers
of rough and semi-processed wood, among others.
The operation of the Unit is made more solid with the brave presence of men and women committed to saving the Nigerian economy especially with the role usually played by the officer-in-charge, roving, AC Okpabi, Jack and his men. His operational acumen and tenacity of purpose helps the Unit in dealing with all the challenges posed by the everyday encounter with unrepentant smugglers.
The period under review, recorded a total of 144 seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N 3.3 billion. Arrest of 23 suspects in connection with the seizures was also made by our operatives. Out of the 23 suspects, 12 have secured Administrative Bail, while 11 are still in custody.
The Acting CAC in his address said that “From the foregoing, you will all agree with me that smugglers are undaunted in their nefarious activities to cripple the economy. With the magnitude of the seizures showcased in our last Press briefings, one would have expected a reduction in their activities. Nevertheless, we have the capacity and the capability to render smugglers in this Zone miserable. Whatever is the driving force behind their activities, we will continue to make it unprofitable for them”. He continued by saying that “We have been having confrontations with smugglers especially in volatile areas like Oyo and Idiroko axis where smuggling is considered a
legitimate business. However, such confrontations will never deter our operatives from carrying out their statutory responsibilities”.
He urges smugglers to desist from engaging in smuggling activities so that we can have a decent society. There are many legitimate businesses that will earn them a good living. A word, they say, is enough for the wise, the CAC concluded.
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