The Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 86 sacks of stolen Ammonium Sulphate and Polypropylene valued at ₦4.5 million. Ammonium Sulphate is usually used in making explosives and also at fertilizer plants. The dangerous substance was intercepted on the water after it was stolen from a boat taking it to a fertilizer plant.
Other items seized include 1,312 loaves of foreign Cannabis Sativa with a duty paid value of ₦232.8M, 1,827 bags of foreign parboiled rice (₦204.6M), 174 sacks of Amsul valued at ₦15.6M, 42 kegs of PMS with duty paid value of ₦1.94M.
The marine command also seized 14 boat engines valued at ₦73.3M, as well as 11 fiber boats valued at ₦46.2M and three wooden boats valued at ₦3.15M. The total duty paid value of all the seizures is ₦582.2 million.
Making this known while addressing the press
to highlight the transformative progress made by the Command since his assumption of office two months ago, the Controller of the command, Comptroller PN Ntadi emphasized infrastructure upgrades, enhanced security, welfare improvements, and significant anti-smuggling operations.
Comptroller Ntadi stressed key developments in the command which include
Security Reinforcement as evacuated hoodlums from areas outside the perimeter fence and constructed a new security post at the Command gate.
He also hinted of Installation of a large signpost to enhance the the command’s identity with Greenfield landscaping to enhance the Command’s professional image.
To boost operations, he stressed that he refurbished two patrol vehicles to boost land-side logistics and crew efficiency.
The controller also stated that for the welfare of officers and men, he provided modern toilet facilities and a canteen to improve staff morale and working conditions.
These initiatives align with the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. The Command is now better equipped to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and combat illicit trade.
Comptroller Ntadi concluded by expressing gratitude to the CGC, the management team, officers, and partner security agencies for their unwavering support and commitment.
He later handed over the 1,312 loaves of foreign Cannabis Sativa to the Commander, Apapa Strategic Command of NDLEA, ACGN Obadiah Buba Wakawa. Wakawa commended Comptroller Ntadi and his men for the good job done in seizing the hard drugs, saying that only God could know the damage the drugs would have done if they had escaped into the society.
The event also featured the decoration of 28 senior officers and 8 junior officers, including the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Okopi. The Comptroller Ntadi urged the newly promoted personnel to uphold professionalism and integrity in their new roles.