Ogun 1 Customs Command Hands Over 3, 365 Parcels, 75 Sacks Of Cannabis Sativa, 88 Cartons Of Codeine Cough Syrup To NDLEA
By Asuquo Nuwak
Ogun 1 Customs Command Hands Over 3, 365 Parcels, 75 Sacks Of Cannabis Sativa, 88 Cartons Of Codeine Cough Syrup To NDLEA
•••Says anti-smuggling operations has recorded milestone achievements.
The Ogun 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service, has handed over 3,365 parcels and 75 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 3,103.3kilogram, and 88 cartons of codeine cough syrup seized by the operatives of the command to the National Drug Law Enforcement agency, NDLEA, Ogun state command.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Shuaibu Muhammed, who handed over the illicit drugs to the representative of the state commander of NDLEA in Ogun state, said the anti- smuggling drive of the command has recorded milestone achievements with the seizure of 2,145 bags of 50kg rice, 612 bales of second-hand clothing, 843 pieces of used tires, 6, 625 litres of premium motor spirit with total Duty Paid Value of N279,595,038.00.
Comptroller Shuaibu, who said the Ogun 1 command generated N9,694,072 as revenue from baggage assessment and auction sales of premium motor spirit, also enumerated initiatives and strategies put in place since he assumed duty as the Customs Area Controller of the command.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management team for their continued confidence in the officers and men of the command’s ability to execute their duties with excellence and dedication.
According to him, the command has continued to prioritize stakeholder engagement in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller- General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
He revealed that, this approach is centered on collaboration with various partners, including the traditional institutions, to ensure compliance with trade laws and to foster a unified front in tackling smuggling. He stressed that their engagement with stakeholders is not merely for informational purposes, but also an opportunity to forge stronger partnerships, enhance decision-making processes, and increase trust between customs and the critical stakeholders.
The Comptroller, who said the benefits are mutual, including the improvement of communication channels, economic growth, and strengthened national security, also said, it is imperative that the command continue to sensitize and educate the public on the pivotal role of the Nigeria Customs Service in fostering national security and economic stability.
Alongside this, he said the command will relentlessly enforce government policies in strict adherence to the law and international best practices.
He recalled from last briefing, when the command declared their resolve to eradicate illegal trade in dangerous drugs and other contraband within their operational areas.
In addition, he said since that time, and within the past two weeks, the command’s operatives have significantly increased their efforts to combat smuggling, leading to the successful interception of variety of prohibited items.
According to him, the Customs Service Act, 2024, specifically sections 6, 212, 226, 233, and 245, grants customs officers significant powers, including the authority to patrol freely, seize smuggled goods, detain contraband items, condemn illegal goods, and enter premises.
Beside this, these legal powers have been crucial in enabling officers to perform their duties with efficacy.
He noted that, since he assumed office at the command, they have implemented various strategies that have resulted in numerous successful seizures, including
2,145 bags of smuggled foreign rice, which is more than four trailers load of rice, 612 bales of
second-hand clothing, and 843 pieces of used tires.
Further breakdown of the seized items included 6, 625 litres
premium motor spirit , which has been auctioned due to its combustible nature, 1, 057 parcels of cannabis sativa in coconut sizes, 159 parcels of
cannabis sativa in bread sizes, 2, 074 parcels of
cannabis sativa in book sizes, 75 sacks of cannabis sativa in sacks, bringing the total number of marijuana seized to 3,365 parcels and 75 sacks, weighing 3,103.3kg, with the
Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the entire seizures amounting to N279,595,038.00.
Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, who announced that the command has generated a total of N9,694,072 as revenue from baggage assessment and auction sales of premium motor spirit, also said, this contribution to the national revenue is an important aspect of their duty to support the financial objectives of the federal government.
In a bid to increase the revenue profile of the command, and by extension to enhance the economic growth and national security of the nation, he highlighted the recent stakeholders’ meeting held on 3 March 2025, and the crucial dialogue on challenges affecting the free flow of legitimate cross-border trade.
He said, the meeting, hosted by Ogun 1 command, brought together customs officers from Ogun 1 and Benin, secretary-general, inter-border security forum, security agencies, and clearing agents from both Nigeria and the Benin Republic.
Beside, this engagement was pivotal in identifying solutions to enhance trade and security at the Benin Republic-Idiroko border corridor.
The Customs Area Controller, however solicited for The continued support from the publics in its fight against smuggling, adding that it is only through collective effort that the country can be safeguard and realize the vision of the founding fathers.
Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu is quoted as saying that: “As we move forward, i want to reiterate that the command will continue to enforce federal government policies in a manner that aligns with global best practices, while ensuring that we maintain high standards of operations”.
In addition to the aforementioned seizures, he said it is with great responsibility that he inform the public of the imminent handing over of 3,365 parcels and 75 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 3,103.3kg, and 88 cartons of codeine cough syrup, which have been seized by Ogun 1 command operatives.
He noted that, these illicit drugs will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ogun state command for proper disposal and further investigation, stressing that the items being handed over reflect the ongoing efforts of the command to curb the distribution of illegal narcotics within the country, which pose significant threats to the health and safety of our citizens.
Aside from this, he said these actions send a clear and unequivocal message to those who engage in illegal activities, adding that the operatives of Ogun 1 command will continue to carry out their statutory responsibilities with dedication, while ensuring that such illegal enterprises do not thrive in their area of responsibility.
Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu is quoted as disclosing that: ”We will remain relentless in our fight against smugglers. Every tactic employed by criminals to circumvent security checks will be futile, as our intelligence network, systematic monitoring, and operational mechanisms are robust and effective in identifying and tracking these economic saboteurs and their sponsors”.
He said their primary focus will always remain on ensuring that our borders are secure and that national interests are protected, including ensuring compliance with international trade agreements and safeguarding our national security. He said they are grateful to all Nigerians, particularly our local business communities, for their continued support. He commended the media for their balanced reporting.
At the end of the meeting, he humbly extended his sincere gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management team, for their continued confidence in their ability to execute their duties with excellence and dedication. He took the opportunity to express his sincere appreciation to the traditional leaders, sister security agencies, distinguished personalities, host communities, and the media for their unwavering collaboration and support in their fight against smuggling.
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