Adeniyi: Customs seized 397 vehicles valued at N5.64bn in 2024

Adewale Adeniyi, comptroller-general (CG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says the agency seized 397 vehicles valued at N5.64 billion in 2024.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, Adeniyi said the NCS’s comprehensive enforcement strategy, which aligns with national security goals and international commitments, solidifies its role as a key player in safeguarding the nation’s security while promoting legitimate trade.

“The service also recorded 397 seizures of vehicles valued at N5.64 billion, as we continue to enforce import regulations and protect government revenue,” the NCS boss said.

“The mounting sophistication of smuggling networks also necessitated a corresponding elevation in our enforcement capabilities, leading to enhanced collaboration with national and international partners and the deployment of advanced detection approaches.”

He said the NCS adjusted its strategies to address evolving security challenges, leading to 3,555 seizures in 2024 and a 100.92 percent increase in the duty paid value (DPV) of seizures, which rose from N17.56 billion in 2023 to N35.29 billion in 2024.

According to Adeniyi, the seizures had a combined cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value of N28.46 billion, with total duties of N6.83 billion, showcasing the service’s role in preventing economic sabotage.

“The recorded seizures included traditional and emerging risks to Nigeria’s Economic and overall national Security,” he said.

“Particularly noteworthy were the seizures of arms and ammunition, including 900 arms and 113,472 rounds of ammunition and the interception of narcotics and other illicit drugs, resulting in 105 seizures across various forms that was aided by the declaration of a state of emergency at our major entry points.

“The Service also intercepted unauthorized pharmaceutical products, with 40 seizures including 175,676 pieces and 6,271 cartons of various medicaments valued at N3.04 billion, protecting public health from potentially dangerous counterfeit drugs.

“The Service’s enforcement activities also revealed evolving patterns in environmental and wildlife crimes, with 76 seizures of animal/wildlife products valued at N5.93 billion. We also maintained vigilance over trade-sensitive goods, as evidenced by the seizure of 183,527 bags of rice.

“Additionally, significant seizures were made of other restricted items including 3,785 bales of textiles valued at N945.9 million, and various quantities of footwear, beverages, and other consumer goods, protecting local industries and supporting the government’s economic diversification agenda.”

‘WE ALSO SEIZED 1,716,656 LITRES OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS’

The CG said the agency also confiscated 1,716,656 litres of petroleum products diverted for smuggling to neighbouring countries under “Operation Whirlwind”.

He said the feat was achieved with the backing of the office of the national security adviser (ONSA), the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

To further strengthen customs enforcement capabilities, Adeniyi said the service is actively expanding its technological infrastructure through the integration of geospatial technology and other cutting-edge solutions.

The CG said the technological advancements, coupled with capacity building and enhanced intelligence gathering mechanisms, will significantly boost NCS’s surveillance and enforcement operations.