By Chinonye Anyatonwu
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service( NCS), yesterday showcased the seizures made by the command at the first quarter of the year 2023.
The Area Customs Controller of Western Marine Command, Comptroller Adah Oduadu Salefu while conducting Journalists round the seizures yesterday, said the
Western Marine Command in the period under review, recorded 15 incidences of seizures that had a cumulative Duty Paid Value of #110,195,934.50 only.
A cumulative analysis of seizures, as reeled out by Compt. Salefu shows that, 1,519 bags of 50kg size Foreign Parboiled Rice.
8,825 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) contained in 468 kegs of 25liters each, with
700 pairs of foreign used shoes.
20 used foreign ladies bags. 88 cartons of Caro White Cream (bleaching cream)
50 pairs of expired Tyres. 3 Outboard Boat Engines and 1Water Pumping Machines, were seized at various intervals within the period under review.
While challenging his officers and men to do more, Compt. Salefu recognized the efforts and sacrifices which has driven the WMC thus far.
“I must also salute the commitment, dedication and bravery of our Officers and Men operating in the creeks and waterways amiss very risky and difficult challenges,” he encouraged.
Comptroller Salefu commended the CGC, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd.) and his management team for the unwavering support given him and his officers.
“We must mention the unflinching support and motivation of the Management of Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of the Comptroller General, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali(Rtd) who has continued to provide all necessary support and logistics for our operations, for this we are grateful and assure CGC of our unrelenting fight against these economic saboteurs.”
He disclosed that
the Western Marine Command on the 28th of March 2023 and the 3 of April received in addition to its fleet of boats four additional operational boats consisting of two gun boats and two logistics boats from NCS headquarters.
All these are meant to enhance the Command’s operational efficiency, with needed equipment to fight the menace of smuggling on our Creeks and Water ways.
The command boss therefore, warned all smugglers to abandon the illegitimate activity of snuggling and embrace legitimate trade as backed by law.
According to him,” smuggling is not an alternative, there are other legitimate trade one can get involved, it is not good for our society, we will join hands to battle the smugglers, but if they insist, they will meet their waterloo, he warned”.
“I appeal to you to abandon economic sabotage and unlawful trade to embrace legitimate trade as WMC will not rest on its oars to rid our Creeks/Waterways of illegal trade practices and will continue to enforce Federal laws and policy restrictions.
He also revealed that following enforcement operations, 5 suspects have been arrested and have been granted administrative bail pending when charges will be proffered against them in Court
