The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has disclosed that the scale and sophistication of illicit activities by economy saboteurs in the Nigerian borders and seaports are.becoming alarming.

CGC Bashir Adeniyi made this known on wedneaday 16th October at the Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja Lagos while addressing the press on the enforcement activities of the services in its pursuit of ensuring the security, health, and economic well-being of the nation.

According to the CGC, Nigeria has, in the past years
faced unprecedented challenges in a bid to deliver the dividend of democracy and good governance under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He hinted that the Nigeria Customs Service in alignment with this administration’s progressive policies, adopted fresh approach towards fulfilling its mandate of balancing revenue collection, facilitating trade and ensuring compliance with the relevant laws. “We have moved from a reactive lance to a proactive posture, from isolated efforts to integrated strategies and from a purely enforcement-driven approach to one that balances compliance facilitation with robust security measures.

“Our new strategy is multifaceted, focusing on consolidating previous gains, fostering unprecedented collaboration with stakeholders, and integrating cutting edge innovations into our operations.

“We are rewriting the playbook on revenue coliection, trade facilitation, and regulatory compliance, while strengthening our role as the vanguard against societal threats”.

He added that the evolution aims to serve the best interests of Nigeria especially in these times of economic adjustment, where citizens grapple with inflationary pressures triggered by efforts to manage exchange rate challenges.

He hinted that the Service now lean more towards persuasion than punishment, employing soft power over hard-line tactics. The strategy.which he said is necessary considering the current realities faced by Nigerians.

In his words “| want to emphasize that our resolve to protect Nigeria’s borders and interests remains in on clad. We are more repositioned than ever to adopt a more carrot-oriented approach in carrying out our operations, using soft power rather than a hardcore stick approach.

‘The challenges we face are formidable and multifaceted. Unscrupulous elements seek to exploit our current economic situation, engaging in smuggling activities that threaten the very fabric of our society.

“From arms and anmunition to narcotics, from restricted pharmaceuticals to staple foods, and even to our precious fuel resources – the spectium of illicit trade is vast and varied. What is even more disturbing is the fact that these activities have been linked to clusters of criminal networks that seck to cause hari to Nigerians.

“The scale and sophistication of these illicit activities are alarming. Since 2018, the NCS has intercepted 20 significant shipments, comprising 10,498 pieces of various arms and 114,929 pieces of ammunition, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of 9.58 billion Naira.

“Notably, 60% of these seizures occurred within the past year alone, This recent surge accounts for 34.67% of the total DPV, 20.58% of the arms seized, and a staggering 99.62% of the ammunition intercepted over the six-year period.

“These statistics not only highlight the intensification of our efforts but also reveal the evolving tactics employed by smugglers attempting to breach our borders.

“In response to this escalating threat, we recently declared a state of emergency, particularly following significant seizures of restricted goods, including pharmaceuticals and medicaments.

“The intricate connections between these diverse smuggling activities and the networks facilitating them are now the primary focus of our strategic operations, such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting.

“These among other initiatives represent the multifaceted approach adopted by NCS to fortify our operations and safeguard Nigeria’s health and security interests”

Speaking further, Adeniyi said that a particular concern is the alarming rise in wildlife trafficking, which not only threatens the country’s biodiversity but also tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation. The illegal trade in endangered species, especially pangolin scales, has positioned Nigeria as a key transit point in the global wildlife trafficking network.

The illicit trade, he said, decimates the country’s natural heritage, fuels transnational criminal networks as well as undermines our national security and economic stability.

He added that the embarrassment caused by these activities on the global stage is significant, potentially impacting our diplomatic relations and economic partnerships. It is imperative that we address this issue with the utmost urgency and commitment,

Giving details of the Service recent enforcement activities, the CGC said “in terms of Wildlife Trafficking, Our recent operations have yielded significant results in combating the illegal trade of endangered species.

“On August 8, 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with our main partner, the Wildlife Justice
Commission, conducted a joint enforcement operation resulting in the seizure of 9,493 kp of pangolin scales. This operation, carried out in two separate locations, represents the largest seizure of pangolin scales globally since January 2020.

“The Kano/Kaduna operation yielded 2,293 tons of pangolin scales and led to two arrests, while the Lagos operation resulted in the seizure of 7.2 tons of pangoiin scales and two additional arrests. A total of 4 persons were arrested in connection with these operations; 2 in Kano and 2 in Lagos.

“These seizures bring the total amount of pangolin scales intercepted by NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission to nearly 20 tons since 2021, representing the loss of over 30,000 pangolin species. We acknowledge the crucial role of intelligence provided by our partners, which led to these successful operations.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to collaborating with domestic and international partners ; to combat wildlife trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice.

“Our efforts extend beyond major cities and ports to include supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas where many of these products illegally enter the country. We recognize the evolving tactics of trafficking networks and are adapting our strategies accordingly.

“The threat to endangered species is unacceptable, and Nigeria will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to eradicate this illegal trade and ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.

“An operation in Kebbi state led to the seizure of 445.45 kg of pangolin scales and the arrest of one individual. In a related international case, we’ve made substantial progress in an investigation linked to a shipment from Onne Port, Port Harcourt, which was intercepted at Hai Phong Port. Vietnam.

“The shipment contained 1,580 kg of elephant tusks. Three individuals, including both agents and sellers connected to this illegal export, have been arrested.

Other items seized are Pharmaceutical, of which he disclosed that the Service ongoing efforts to curb the importation of illicit and potentially harmful pharmaceuticals have yielded significant results.

He hinted that On 15 October 2024, at Kachicares Resources Terminal, the examined a 40-foot container (No. SUDU8579006) declared to contain kitchenware. Upon inspection, a concealment of 1,584 cartons of Barcadin Cough Syrup for Throat & Chesty Cough with Codeine, totalling 158,483 bottles (100ml each) was uncovered.

The CGC disclosed that the discovery highlights the sophisticated methods employed by smugglers to bypass the service controls.

Also in a separate operation on 11th October 2024 at Apapa Port Command, two 40-foot containers (Nos. MRKU0377493 and TGBU8886020) containing 300 bottles of CSP Cough Syrup was intercepted. “Alarmingly, 200 of these bottles were found to be expired, posing a significant public health risk. These recent seizures are part of a broader trend we’ve observed” he said.

Between May 2023 and August 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service recorded 48 seizures of restricted pharmaceuticals and medicaments.

During the same period, 119 shipments of narcotics and Indian hemp was also intercepted.

The Service also made seizures of 7,155 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice. Of these, 3,235 bags were recently confiscated along the Erekiti waterside, Seme road, and Ogun state border areas

Also, the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 in the Southwest Zone of Lagos conducted successful operations between 12 September and 14 October 2024, resulting in various seizures valued at 1.1 billion Naira.

“These seizures and interceptions are some of the results of our new strategies and the dedication of our officers. However. they also reveal the persistent and evolving nature of the threats we face.

“To those who persist in these nefarious activities, the NCS in collaboration with other security agencies, is more determined than ever to bring the full weight of the law upon you. We are continuously enhancing our intelligence gathering capabilities, upgrading our technological infrastructure and strengthening our partnerships both domestically and intemationally. Your days of operating with impunity are numbered.

“To our law-abiding citizens and legitimate traders, | assure you of our commitment to facilitating lawful trade and protecting our economy. We are here to serve you and to ensure that Nigeria remains a safe and prosperous nation for all.

“Nigeria Customs Service will continue to evolve, innovate, and collaborate to meet the challenges of our time. We will also sustain our efforts in enforcing laws, safeguarding the future of our nation, protecting the health and safety of our citizens, as we continue to contribute to the economic prosperity that President Tinubu envisions for Nigeria” CGC Bashir Adewale said

The Nigeria Customs operatives at the Apapa Port Area Command has uncovered an attempt at smuggling into the country, a 4 units of 40ft containers of illicit drugs worth a total of N1,183,915,500 (one billion, one hundred and eighty three million, nine hundred and fifteen thousand, five hundred naira.

The illicit drugs as contained in the 4 containers shows 236,783 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and barkadin cough syrup packed in a total of 2,174 cartons from two terminals under the command. Three of the seizures were made in APM Terminals and one was made at Kachicares Bonded Terminal.

According to the statement signed by CSC Usman Abubakar, Public Relations Officer of Apapa Area Command, it reads that while giving further details on the seizures, Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, described it as a fallout of the service zero tolerance for smuggling.

Comptroller Olomu disclosed that on 11th of October 2024, his officers during a joint examination of 1×40 container number MRKU0377493 found prohibited CSP cough syrup in 34,800 bottles. The offensive importation was also found to have expired. The smugglers packed them in 174 cartons with 200 bottles per carton.

Speaking further, the Command boss said “On the same day, during another examination in the same terminal, a 1×40 container TGBU8886020 was found to be laden with 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup packed in 100 bottles per carton.

Another 1x40ft container NO TCKU6800526 dropped at APMT Container Terminal, said to contain Essential goods was examined on 15 October 2024, and after examination it was found to contain a concealment of 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup for throat and chesty with codeine 100ml packed in 200 bottles per carton

“At Kachicares Resources Terminal,1X40FT container NO SUDU8579006 said to contain kitchen wares was examined on October 15, 2024 and found to contain concealment of Barcadin cough syrup for throat and chesty cough in 100ml

“They were packed in 1,584 cartons. Another set of 83 loose bottles was also found in the container.

“Like I have always said, Apapa Command is committed to seamless trade facilitation powered by robust stakeholders engagement but will not compromise on our revenue collection, anti smuggling mandates as we facilitate trade.

” For the umpteenth time, I want to warn perpetrators of unlawful trade to steer clear from Apapa Port as our eagle eye officers relying on intelligence, technology and on the job experience are out to uncover all their smuggling antics” the controller said.

Codeine abuse has been found to cause nausea or vomiting,making addicts feel sleepy, unable to concentrate or think clearly, and behave irrationally, including exhibition of criminal tendencies.

The federal government banned the importation of codeine cough syrup in 2018 following its abuse and the adverse effects it caused on many youth who got addicted to it.

These banned substances have been found to spur criminal activities and deviant behaviors capable of setting society backward.

Comptroller Olomu has however directed further investigation into the seizures to unravel further details that could lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) involved.

The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service said it has generated a total sum of N1,610,906,781,421.82k to the Federal government coffers as at the end of the third quarter of year 2024.

This amount recorded is higher than N1,172,414,793,960.32k that was collected as total revenue of the year 2023.

According to a press statement made available by the Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Usman Abubakar, it states that the Customs Area Controller for the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi described the feat as a fallout of diligence and integrity.

Comptroller Olomu said that the command will continually engage with stakeholders to improve on the revenue collection achievements and reduced smuggling recorded to the command’s credit.

Olomu identified the N201.8b collected in July 2024 and N193.9b in September 2024 as spectacular figures, capable of being replicated again in the last quarter of the year beginning from October.

He disclosed that the various trade facilitation programmes put in place by the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, like advance ruling, time release study and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) are being dutifully implemented for the overall benefit of the nation’s economy.

He commended the officers of the command for the achievement in revenue collection relying on diligent examination and uncompromising interventions through issuance of demand notices, where and when necessary. He however reiterated the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling.

He hinted that the command shall continually engage with all stakeholders to sustain the rising level of compliance, which has resulted in reduced smuggling in the area.

The Command boss said the strict monitoring of cargoes, constant profiling of port users, sensitization of stakeholders and in-house training, and retraining of customs officers have jointly contributed to the almost zero level of smuggling in recent times.

He urged all port users in Apapa to avail themselves of the services of the dispute resolution team to resolve all areas of uncertainty while reassuring licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and haulage operators of the command’s readiness to assist at all times.

Appreciating other sister government agencies for their support, Comptroller Olomu stated that the command will always leverage on its relationship with them to share intelligence against criminal elements, do joint examinations in line with extant standard operating procedures (SOPs) and promote compliance at all times.

In.his words “Our revenue collection is good, and I know we can do better with more impressive results in the last quarter of 2024. I want to thank our compliant stakeholders for their cooperation in supporting us to achieve this level of collection.

” Reduced smuggling activities is a testament to affirm the compliance we are celebrating, and I can say the best is yet to come. We are not losing guard. Our tempo of vigilance is airtight, which attests to our capacity to detect smuggling and make seizures.

” As we do trade facilitation, our anti smuggling activities are done side by side leveraging on our non intrusive technology for cargo scanning and physical examination when necessary. Let me also state that these standards and procedures are strictly adhered to in all bonded terminals under our control”, Comptroller Olomu quipped.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Command has handed over seized drugs ( Cannabis indica) weighing 341.025kg with a street value of N682, 050,000.00 to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi disclosed that the dangerous imports were intercepted through actionable intelligence.

“In the interim, the Command having received actionable intelligence on the suspected importation of illicit dangerous drugs from one of the source countries, intercepted the three containers which we are showcasing today.

“The drugs extracted from the containers are being handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) TCIP, in furtherance of existing interagency collaboration and the MOU signed between the NDLEA and NCS”.

Giving the details of each subject as contained in the container, he said :
‘CONTAINER NUMBER MSMU 518030/2 (1X40FT):
A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 2nd, August 2024 and the examination revealed 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5kg. At the time of processing the intelligence, system profiling indicated that a declaration was made on an SGD Number withheld on 30-07-2024, listing three (3) used vehicles.

“CONTAINER NUMBER MSMU 602957/0 (1X40FT):
A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 8th August, 2024 and the examination revealed 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025kg. At the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered. The shipping company with respect to the consignment is MSC.

“CONTAINER NUMBER FSCU 927461/3 (1X40FT):
A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 8th August, 2024 and the examination revealed 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5kg. At the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered. The shipping company with respect to the consignment is MSC.

“Investigation by the Command and our partner agency, the NDLEA is ongoing and the NDLEA will update you on the interdiction, arrest and prosecution.

“In furtherance of the synergy between the NDLEA and the NCS, the Command is handing over the contents of the three containers totaling 684 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025kg with a street value of N682, 050,000.00.

“The Command and indeed the Service will deploy all necessary resources and strategies at our disposal and in collaboration with other security and other regulatory agencies to check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and dangerous substances. We are more than committed to deliver on this mandate.”, Comptroller Nnadi quipped.