Customs: N770m worth of smuggled goods seized in Ogun within three months

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says its command in Ogun state seized smuggled goods worth over N770 million between April and June.

James Ojo, the comptroller of Ogun Area 1 command, who spoke in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Monday, said the agency also generated N92.3 million in revenue during the period under review.

Ojo added that the revenue marked a 52.46 percent increase from the N53,983,622 recorded during the same period in 2023.

The comptroller said the command exceeded its June monthly revenue target of N34,122,666.90 by 77.86 percent.

“Our enforcement efforts resulted in significant interceptions of prohibited goods, including 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, and 44,466 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS),” NAN quoted him as saying.

“We also seized 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tyres, 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes, 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, and 7,015 bags of foreign parboiled rice.

“In addition, we intercepted 21 vehicles, three motorcycles, and 115 pairs of used shoes valued at N770,666,237.00.”

Ojo attributed the feat to the command’s measures against smuggling to safeguard the local economy, public health, safety, and border integrity.

“This achievement underscores the diligence, commitment, and professionalism of our officers, who worked tirelessly to surpass our revenue targets,” he said.

“It underscores our unwavering dedication to national economic growth and development.”

He added that the interceptions showcased the command’s “intelligence-driven strategy” effectiveness.

“This success is in line with the policy direction of Bashir Adeniyi, the comptroller-general of customs, who advocates for consolidation, collaboration, and innovation,” Ojo said.

He commended the support of traditional rulers and other security agencies in Ogun for their efforts in combating smuggling and enhancing economic growth and national security.