We’re ready to counter smugglers – Customs

Ogun State Command of Nigeria Customs Service has reiterated its resolve to continue the fight against smuggling relentlessly as the yuletide period approaches when trans border trading activities are expected to peak
Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Sani Madugu, told reporters in Idiroko Border during the week that the command has been on red alert against all forms of smuggling.
Responding to journalists questions during a press briefing within to show seizures worth over N30.3 million made by his men within a week, Madugu said any attempt to undermine the presence of his men by attempting to smuggle arms or any prohibited item will be foiled.
He said the command is, more than ever, ready to take the war against smuggling to the smugglers’ doorsteps to disposes them of their wares, make arrests and prosecute suspected persons believed to be involved in the crime.
A breakdown of the seizures include a used Toyota Tundra vehicle worth N5, 500,000; used Mercedes Benz C220 valued at N4, 500,000 and a Volkswagen Golf car worth N724,983.75.
Six other vehicles seized for being used as means for conveying smuggled goods were also totally valued at N4,349,902.5.
Within the week, the Command also seized a total of 1,401 bags (50kg) of rice with a duty paid value of N14,290,200 and 29 units of 25litres vegetable oil worth N174,000.
Other seizures made within the week include second hand clothing and shoes worth N50, 000 only.
According to him, no category of smugglers will be spared as his command will continue defying antics of smugglers to bring rice illegally into the country through unpopular means like the creeks, bush paths and transporting them on motorcycles.
He said over seventeen units of motor cycles worth N800,000 have been seized from smugglers while explaining that the means of transportation is being used to bring large quantity of rice into the country through the border in trickles.
”One motorcycle is capable of bringing 8 bags of rice per trip and can go up to ten trips a day. A motorcycle can bring in 80 bags of rice daily. We have been seizing motorcycles in the past. We did not show them because they are not among the important seizures we make” he said.
Madugu commended the sustained synergy between his command and the Nigerian Army , adding that the collaboration has given teeth to the fight against smuggling.
He also lauded the good people of Ogun State for their cooperation and continuous sharing of intelligence with the customs. According to him, Ogun State is blessed with a lot of law abiding citizens who are not involved in smuggling .He added that many non indigent persons who may not be resident in the state are the ones involved in the unlawful smuggling act