The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), Sector 2, South West Zone, announced on Wednesday the interception of contraband goods valued at N1.38 billion. Speaking to the press in Lagos, JBPT Coordinator, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Mohammed Shuaibu, revealed that the prohibited items were seized between July and August 2024.
According to Shuaibu, the unit confiscated 4,019 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,633 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 868 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing, 790 bottles of 100ml codeine syrup, 338 sacks of artificial raisins, 135 sacks of cannabis sativa, and used footwear. Other items seized include 77 sacks of ginger, 45 bags of the food additive calcium propionate (20kg each), 21 bags of 25kg foreign parboiled rice, 15 fairly used vehicles used for transportation, five other released used vehicles, and 14 trucks.
Shuaibu also announced the arrest of 18 suspected human trafficking victims and two suspected traffickers. He explained that the federal government initiated the joint operation in 2019 to combat smuggling and other cross-border crimes that threaten national and economic security. The operation, he noted, has been highly successful, as evidenced by the numerous seizures of prohibited items, procedural improvements, revenue generation through additional payments, and auction sales with proceeds remitted to the federation account.
Additionally, Shuaibu noted the collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service, a key component of the JBPT. The operation led to the interception of 125 individuals denied entry, 11 individuals denied departure, and 18 human trafficking victims, along with two suspected trafficking agents who were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and prosecution.
The unit also recovered N26.1 million in revenue through debit notes issued on underpaid vehicles and other goods. Shuaibu reiterated JBPT Sector 2’s commitment to combating smuggling and illegal migration that undermines national security.
Despite the federal government’s commitment to ensuring the availability of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to Nigerians, Shuaibu expressed concern that some smugglers persist in illicitly transporting the fuel to neighboring countries for selfish gain. He vowed that these unpatriotic individuals would face strict enforcement, as the sector has intensified intelligence efforts to apprehend offenders.
As the year 2024 enters its final quarter, Shuaibu stressed that the sector is prepared for the challenges ahead, enhancing collaboration and intelligence-gathering efforts to address growing desperation among smugglers. He issued a stern warning to smugglers, stating that the unit is adopting proactive measures in line with the directives of Customs Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Shuaibu also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth organizations to educate their communities about the dangers of smuggling, which harms the nation’s economy, undermines security, and shifts employment opportunities to other countries.
He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Customs Comptroller General and his management team for providing the necessary support and logistics to achieve these successes.
