Ten days after his assumption of office as as Acting Area Controller, of Ogun 1 Customs Command, Idiroko, DC Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu proved his mettle and justified the confidence reposed in him by the Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi MFR, as he seized 1,128 parcels of Cannabis, 2,169 bags of rice, and others, worth total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N229,112,424.00.
According to statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman CSC HB Oloyede on Thursday, DC Shuaibu attributed the successful seizures to strategic intelligence gathering, surveillance, and collaboration with patriotic Nigerians, underscoring the support and leadership of the Comptroller-General.
DC Shuaibu hinted that the items were intercepted at key smuggling hotspots, including Idiroko, Ilaro, the Alamal-Rounda axis, Obada Oko-Abeokuta axis, Abule Kazeem-Abeokuta axis, and Ijoun axis, among others.
He emphasized his commitment to professionalism, integrity, and a renewed focus in curbing smuggling activities in the region.
Given an insight into the seizures made within the past few days, Shuaibu stated that 2,169 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each; 1,128 parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, weighing 1,109.3kg; 21 bales and 2 sacks of used clothes; 166 pieces of pneumatic tyres; 4,360 cartons of imported shoes; 250 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), each weighing 25 litres; 20 units of vehicles used for smuggling; 1 unit of foreign-used vehicle, a 2012 model Toyota Highlander, were seized.
In his words: “The illegal importation of rice undermines Nigeria’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and disrupts local rice production. Smuggling of this staple is viewed as economic sabotage, and the Command remains steadfast in its resolve to bring perpetrators to justice.
“Cannabis Sativa- The smuggling of cannabis poses severe risks to public health and safety, fueling criminal activities and jeopardizing community well-being. The Ogun I Command is working closely with other security agencies to eliminate this menace.
“Used Clothes. The importation of used clothes is prohibited due to health hazards and its negative impact on the local textile industry, which has the potential to create jobs for millions of Nigerians”.
He sternly warned smugglers and their collaborators to desist from illegal activities or face the full weight of the law.
Assuring patriotic citizens and legitimate traders in the Command’s area of operations, he noted that his officers’ operations are targeted exclusively at offenders, and that legitimate trade would be encouraged to foster economic growth.
While expressing gratitude to the CGC and his management team for the opportunity of making him an Area Controller, he pledged to continue to deploy measures that align with the CGC’s thrust and also commended Officers and Men of Ogun I Command for their dedication and resilience, urging them to remain vigilant and disciplined.
He also enjoined the media to continue to educate the public on dangers of smuggling and economic sabotage.