FOU Ikeja makes seizures in net of N1.2 Billion Naira
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ikeja Lagos has disclosed that the total seizures made for the first half of the year 2016 has a net value of N1.2 Billion. The disclosure which was contained in a press statement issued by the Comptroller of the Zone, Comptroller Umar Mohammed Dahiru also gave a breakdown of the total seizures made within the period January – June 2016.
According to the Comptroller, a total of four hundred and ninety four different seizures of prohibited goods were effected by the unit during the period under reference. He however noted that the successes made would not have been achievable without the determination of the unit to completely eradicate the activities of smugglers within the zone.
He said, “this unit is entrusted with the responsibilities of suppressing smuggling as well as facilitation of legitimate trade in line with global best practices. This statutory role of the Unit requires strength of character, vision and competence of the operatives. The Unit is not under any illusion of the expectation of the Customs Management, hence the resilience and doggedness which have over the period become the modus operandi.
“It is pertinent to also reiterate that smuggling, just like scavenging is a global menace which has been a thorn in the flesh of even the most developed nations. This is why we have taken up the gauntlet to ensure that no stone is left un-turn as we drive the process as a leading force in anti-smuggling operations. All these innovative steps have led to the success recorded between January – June, 2016.”
Giving a breakdown of the seizures, the Comptroller said that a total of 22,763 bags of 50kg parboiled rice was intercepted; valued at One Hundred and Thirteen Million, Nine Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira Only with a payable duty of Thirty Four Million, One Hundred and Eighty Two Thousand Naira Only and a Duty Paid Value(DPV) of One Hundred and Forty Eight Million, One Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand Naira ONLY.
A total of Twenty nine thousand, six hundred and eighty four cartons of poultry products valued at One Hundred and Thirty Three Million, Five Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand Naira Only, with a payable duty of Twenty Six Million, Seven Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Six Hundred Only and a DPV of One Hundred and Sixty Million, Two Hundred and Ninety Three Thousand, Six Hundred Naira Only.
On vehicles, the Comptroller confirmed that a total of fifty vehicles was intercepted comprising Thirty eight units of assorted vehicles and twelve cut buses valued at Sixty Eight Million Naira Only, with a payable duty of Twenty Three Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira Only, and a DPV of Ninety One Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira Only.
Vegetable oils were also not left out in the seized items. Comptroller Umar noted that three thousand, one hundred and seventy four jerry cans, two hundred and eighty six cartons, one hundred and twenty pieces of ten liters and one thousand two hundred and fifty empty J/CANS were also intercepted, valued at Twenty One Million, One Hundred and Ninety Six Thousand Naira Only with a payable duty of Seven Million, Three Hundred and Fifty Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira Only with a DPV of Twenty Eight Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira Only.
Spray no general merchandise which included new and used textile materials, new and used shoes, insecticide, wine, various types of spaghetti and noodles, soaps and detergents, the value was put at Three Hundred and Sixty Five Million, Three Hundred and Forty Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty Naira Only with a payable duty of Ninety Four Million, One Hundred and Ninety Four Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Nine Naira Only with a DPV of Four Hundred and Fifty Nine Million, Five Hundred and Forty One Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty Nine Naira Only.
Comptroller Umar also stated that the unit apprehended one hundred and twenty six suspects in connection with the Seizures during the same period
Comparing the report of with that of corresponding 2015, the Comptroller said, “during the corresponding period of 2015, we recorded one thousand and thirty different Seizures with a Duty Paid Value of seven hundred and fifty eight million, two hundred and seventy one thousand, nine hundred and sixty nine naira only. Whereas the number of Seizures for 2015 appeared higher, the quality of Seizures between January – June, 2016 obviously accounted for the improved Duty Paid Value.”
He disclosed further that despite the harsh economic realities, the Unit was still able to demonstrate capacity in actualizing the set objectives of the Service, particularly in enforcing the fiscal policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The Comptroller attributed the successes made by the unit to the total commitment of officers/men of the Unit. Hear him, “These successes did not come without challenges and some of these challenges range from the hostility and volatility of some areas where we operate, nefarious activities of some fake informants as well as the role of misguided and unpatriotic elements who strongly believe that smuggling is their legitimate right. However, the Unit remains on top of its statutory functions and is making serious inroads/waves in ensuring seamless operations even in very volatile terrains. ”
Furthermore, Comptroller Umar also rated the units relationship with other security agencies, the media and well meaning members of the public as very cordially and that such relationship has paid off in no small measure.
