The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of 48,912 bags of foreign parboiled rice smuggled into the country between January and December 2024.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Compt. Kola Oladeji, in a press briefing with journalists on Tuesday, said the seized foreign rice is equivalent to 82 trucks.
According to Oladeji, the unit also intercepted 707 different seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N18.71 billion.
He gave other items seized as 191,975 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 7,861kg of Cannabis sativa; 6,168 pieces of dry donkey skins, 37,630 sachets of Tramadol and 207 units of vehicles, some of which were arrested for short payment of duty and later cleared after payment of outstanding duty.
Others are 6,755 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products, 1,433 bales of used clothes, 1,773 units of used refrigerator compressors and 317 cartons of illicit drugs.
The unit also arrested 94 suspects, six of whom have been convicted for various offences.
These actions, according to the NCS, reflect its commitment to combating illicit trade and enforcing compliance with the Customs Act of 2023.
“These achievements underscore our determination to protect the nation’s economy and security against illicit cross-border trade and movement around our borders,” he stated.
Oladeji noted that the recently launched Operation Swift Sting has delivered remarkable results within just two weeks, with the seizure of cannabis sativa, 4,010 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice and significant quantities of PMS.
“It is clear that Operation Swift Sting is delivering unbearable heat to the smuggling cartels while ensuring the facilitation of compliant trade with impressive outcomes,” he said.
Additionally, the Unit recovered N1.012 billion in revenue through documentary checks and the issuance of Demand Notices to address underpayment of duties.
Oladeji emphasised the importance of intelligence-driven operations in preventing smuggling.
“Smuggling operations that employ ingenious concealment methods could have significant impact on the Nation’s economy and security if not checked with modern intelligence tools.
Hence, the Service is calling on all citizens to support its anti-smuggling efforts by providing useful and timely information on illicit Cross Border Trade.
“In the course of fighting the menace of smuggling, we also raised awareness about its dangers and the importance of complying with Customs regulations. We remain resolute in protecting the nation’s economy, security and health through coordinated synergy with relevant stakeholders.”
He commended the cooperation and support of all security agencies, the media and other stakeholders, as well as the general public in providing timely information support and advice.
“In the same vein, I extend my deepest appreciation to our gallant officers for their unwavering commitment and service to our dear Nation. Your unrelenting efforts at preventing the importation of prohibited and harmful products, dedication to protecting our Nation’s economy and security do not go unnoticed,” Oladeji added.
He also called on citizens to further support the Customs Service by providing timely information on illicit cross-border trade.
“The Service is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of smuggling and the importance of compliance with Customs regulations,” he added.