Ogun Customs seizes N229.1m contraband, partners NASRE to boost border security
BY TEMITOPE ADEBAYO
Less than a week after assuming office as the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko, Deputy Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu has announced the interception of contraband worth N229.1 million.
This is even as the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) held a strategic meeting with executives of the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) at its area command, highlighting the importance of collaboration in promoting national security and trade facilitation.
DC Shuaibu, who took over on December 10, 2024, following Comptroller James Ojo’s retirement, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command’s Idiroko headquarters. He detailed the seizures, which were made at strategic smuggling hotspots, including Idiroko, Ilaro, Obada Oko-Abeokuta, and Imeko-Afon.
The intercepted goods include 2,169 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 1,128 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,109.3kg, 21 bales and two sacks of used clothes, and 166 pneumatic tyres. Other items seized are 4,360 cartons of imported shoes, 250 kegs of petrol (PMS) weighing 25 litres each, 20 vehicles used for smuggling, and a 2012 Toyota Highlander.
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Speaking on his approach, DC Shuaibu said, “Upon my assumption of duty, I emphasised professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to curbing smuggling and economic sabotage. Supported by the guidance and tools provided by Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we achieved these interceptions through intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance, and collaboration with patriotic Nigerians.”
DC Shuaibu reiterated the Command’s determination to dismantle smuggling networks that harm the economy, endanger lives, and hinder industrial development. He warned smugglers to desist from their illegal activities, emphasising that the Command is equipped with superior intelligence and a firm commitment to enforcing the law.
Meanwhile, during the visit to the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), NASRE congratulated the newly appointed Customs Area boss, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, on his assumption of office. The association lauded his leadership qualities and expressed optimism about his ability to enhance the command’s operational efficiency.
Welcoming the NASRE delegation, the Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Hammed Bujoye Oloyede, reiterated the commitment of Comptroller Shuaibu to the core mandates of Ogun 1 Command, which include revenue generation, border security, and trade facilitation.
“Under his leadership, the command is focused on fostering innovation, teamwork, and active engagement with border communities and other stakeholders. These principles are essential for achieving sustainable growth and security in our operations,” Oloyede stated.
In response, NASRE’s Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Obadimu, expressed the association’s eagerness to collaborate with the Ogun 1 Command in areas of media advocacy and public enlightenment. He highlighted NASRE’s role in promoting accurate and ethical journalism, which aligns with the Customs Service’s goals of transparency and accountability.
“We believe that this partnership will foster better understanding between the Customs Service and the public, especially on issues related to trade policies, border security, and economic development,” Obadimu said.
The NASRE delegation emphasised the importance of leveraging media platforms to educate the public on the challenges and successes of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in combating smuggling and ensuring national security.
