By Sylvanus OBASI
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says it has seized contraband goods with Duty Paid Value of Four Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Two Naira (₦468,706,602.00) only within the last 17 days.
In a press briefing held at the command recently, the Area Controller of the command, Compt. Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja said the Command has once again recorded a significant seizure of Foreign parboiled rice, Cannabis Sativa, Used Tyres, Used Clothes, Used Shoes and Used Compressors with a Duty Paid Value of Four Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Two Naira Only ₦468,706,602.00k.
According to him, “This achievement was made possible through effective intelligence sharing by the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Customs Police Unit, and the unwavering support of relevant stakeholders who collaborated with the Command to accomplish yet another milestone”, he said.
He also gave a tabular breakdown of the seized items as follow:
| S/N | ITEM SEIZED | QUANTITY | DPV |
| 1 | FOREIGN PARBOIED RICE | 2030 (50kg) Bags | ₦223,300,000.00k |
| 2 | USED CLOTHES | 28 Bales | ₦20,160,000.00k |
| 3 | USED SHOES | 1 Bale | ₦420,000.00k |
| 4 | USED REFRIGERATOR COMPRESSORS | 28 Pieces | ₦1,764,000.00k |
| 5 | USED AC COMPRESSORS | 8 Pieces | ₦252,000.00k |
| 6 | USED TYRES | 167 Pieces | ₦16,032,000.00k |
| 7 | PREMIUM MOTOR SPIRIT | 167 (25 Liters Kegs) | ₦4,592,500.00k |
| 8 | CANNABIS SATIVA | 660kg | ₦21,780,000.00k |
| 9 | MEANS OF CONVEYANCE | 3 | ₦180,406,102.00kk |
| TOTAL | ₦468,706,602.00k | ||
Speaking further, Compt Adeleja stated that these Foreign Parboiled Rice were concealed in three heavy-duty trucks. Unfortunately, these trucks were used to smuggle prohibited items. These illegal activities do not only undermine the nation’s economic development but also pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens.
He said, “I would like to sound a note of warning to smugglers who persist in engaging in illegal activities that are detrimental to the economic growth of our nation that the Oyo/Osun Area Command will leave no stone unturned to enforce necessary compliance of Customs laws. I would like to assure the general public that the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command remain resolute in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade, as we would not relent on our efforts to curb these unlawful acts.
On this note, I call on our relevant stakeholders and patriotic citizens to continue extending their maximum support and cooperation in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities. Your unwavering support is invaluable and will greatly enhance our ability to effectively discharge our duties in safeguarding the nation’s economy.
“I would like to seize this opportunity to appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR fnipr psc+ and his Management Team for the unwavering support extended to the Officers and Men of the Command in ensuring the efficient discharge of our duties.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Abiodun Makinde fse, for his unwavering dedication and the pivotal role he played in ensuring that the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command operate in an enabling environment to effectively discharge our primary duties. While extending my sincere appreciation to our esteemed traditional rulers for their continuous support and cooperation, which remain invaluable to the success of our operations.
“I also acknowledge the unwavering commitment and collaboration of our sister security agencies within the state. To the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, I sincerely commend your resilience, dedication, and commitment to suppressing smuggling and ensuring compliance with Customs extant laws. Your efforts are duly recognized and appreciated. I urge you all to remain steadfast and intensify your commitment to the discharge of your statutory duties.
“Lastly, I extend my profound gratitude to our esteemed members of the press for your unwavering support and dedication in disseminating accurate information to the public about the activities of the Command”, he concluded.
