By Steve Agbota
The Federal Operations Unit Zone A of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said it intercepted about 12 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice, 35,100 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS), 1,100 liters of diesel and arrested 14 suspects in connection with some of the seizures.
Displaying the seizures at the weekend, the acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said in alignment with the commitment and the spirit of patriotism, NCS’s dedicated officers executed a series of operations resulting in the interception and seizure of 7,029 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice.
According to him, these decisive actions took place at various times and locations within the border corridors of the South-Western states. He said the objective was twofold: to discourage potential traders from engaging in smuggling activities and to inflict financial losses on active smugglers.
“Beyond the parboiled rice seizures, our operations yielded significant results in September, with the interception of various goods. These include:35,100 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS), 1,100 liters of diesel and 1 40-foot container carrying 360 bales of used clothes.
“Others are 1 40-foot container containing 150 cartons of ladies’ handbags, 50 bales of nickers, and other falsely declared items, 1 20-foot container of unprocessed wood, 106 cartons of foreign frozen poultry, 55 pieces of used fridges, 110 pieces of used compressors, 148 cartons of foreign soap, 121 cartons of expired hair oil and 25 units of vehicles (Tokunbo),” he added.
However, he said investigations into some of these seizures are ongoing, adding that 14 suspects have been apprehended in connection with various offenses, including violating import/export guidelines, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives.
He stated that the cumulative duty paid value of the intercepted goods amounts to an impressive N1.755 billion, adding that the Unit also generated N72.807 million in revenue through meticulous documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate customs duty.
“Importers and licensed agents are urged to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their investments. Compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic choice that ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods across our borders,” he said.