Security threat : Customs in Kaduna seizes 37 bales of Police uniforms, items worth N4bn …Arrests 4 suspects
Security threat : Customs in Kaduna seizes 37 bales of Police uniforms, items worth N4bn
...Arrests 4 suspects
The Nigeria Customs Service,
Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, Kaduna, has performed creditably in safeguarding national security, as its intercepted 37 bales and 4 rolls of Camouflage Uniforms belonging to Nigeria Police.
The swift intervention by the Customs operatives prevented these sensitive items from getting into wrong hands; thereby posing security threat to the country.
The Unit also intercepted other prohibited items worth over N406.9million in Duty Paid Value (DPV), from November 28 to December 31, 2023.
Investigation revealed that the Police uniforms were concealed in a truck, but the officers through superior intelligence uncovered everything, even as they apprehended four suspects in connection with the seized items.
Addressing Journalists during a press conference in Kaduna, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Unit, Compt DALHA WADA CHEDI, informed; “The onslaught by our operatives during the period under review yielded 71 seizures of 12 different items, intercepted at various locations in the Zone, which are of grave implications to the health and safety of Nigerians.
“The extent of seizures we made during the period is a fulfilment of our pledge that the Unit will ensure full compliance with Government directives on closure of all land borders with Niger Republic.”
The CAC pointed out : “Remarkable among these 71 seized items was the arrest made on December 15, 2023. At about 1400hrs, the operatives of the Unit arrested a container truck based on credible intelligence along Lokoja-Abuja expressway suspected to be conveying prohibited items.
“After physical examination, 37 bales and four rolls of Nigeria Police Camouflage Uniforms alongside other different items were discovered in the truck. Four suspects were arrested in connection with the items.
“Considering the nature of the items and the possibility of being utilised for nefarious activities by unscrupulous elements, the seized Police camouflage uniforms, the suspects together with the means of conveyance were all handed over to the State Director, Department of State Security (DSS) Kaduna State Command, on Wednesday 27 December 2023 for further investigation and possible prosecution in the spirit of inter-agency collaboration; and obtaining necessary approval from the Comptroller-General of Customs.
” It is also pertinent to say that the seizures were made in different parts of the Zone. The breakdown shows that due to positive use of credible intelligence by FOU, Zone B operatives, 8 used vehicles, as well as Two (2) Means of Conveyance were impounded during the period.
“Also as a result of constant patrol by our operatives, the Unit was able to seize 195 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), which would have made their way into the markets and be consumed by the people, despite health hazards of imported grains to the body.
“The vigilance of our operatives during the period led to seizure of 877 Jerry-cans (25 litres each) of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).”
He went on : “In line with the extant laws and guidelines as directed by the Customs Headquarters, the seized PMS was auctioned and the proceeds remitted to the coffers of the Federal Government.
“Other seizures made during the period included; 240 bales of Second Hand Clothes, 10 Jerry-cans of Refined Vegetable Oil (25 litres each), 415 Cartons of Foreign Spaghetti, Macaroni and Couscous, 349 Cartons of foreign Shoes (Unisex), 500mg of 3,400 Sachets of Foreign Amoxicillin and 35 Cartons of Foreign Flame Lighters.
“Beyond this, suffice to say that despite the value of 17 seizures made within the period, as stated above, we are proud to say that the Unit has seized hard drugs and other assorted goods at various intervals in 2023 worth about Four Billion Naira (N4 billion) in Duty Paid Value( DPV) from 1st January to 31st December, 2023.
“This represents 100% increase in seizures made above total DPV of #2,345,155,577.38 in the year 2022. It is also an indication that the operatives of the Unit have up-the-ante in the fight against smuggling in the Zone.
“It is instructive to note that the recognition of renewed effort of our operatives led to the Customs Headquarters, giving the Unit a Letter of Commendation earlier in 2023. This development, I must say has boosted the morale of the Officers and Men of the Unit.”
Compt Wada reiterated his commitment at enforcing the fiscal policies in accordance with Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), as the Unit is battle-ready to carry out its mandate effectively.
His words ; “I also need to assure the citizenry through you, members of the Media, that the operatives of the Unit in this New Year are poised like never before, to foil all attempts by smugglers at importing prohibited goods into our area of jurisdiction, as well as recovering all underpaid duties into the government’s coffers.
“The importance of Media in the fight against smuggling cannot be overemphasized, because it is a veritable tool for information dissemination and shaping public opinion. I urge you to continue to amplify our efforts for the general public to understand the ills and menace of smuggling to our dear Nation”.
