- Hands over 7,728 kilograms of cannabis sativa to NDLEA
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit zone ‘A’, made a significant interception in Ogun State at the Ijebu-Ode Checkpoint. They discovered 15 bulletproof jackets, 15 jack knives, and 20 pistol pouches hidden inside a Toyota Sienna Bus. The vehicle driver was arrested for carrying these controlled items.
The Acting Comptroller, DC Hussein Ejibunu, emphasized that importing any form of bulletproof materials requires an end-user certificate issued by the office of the national security adviser. The validity of the certificate lasts for one year from the issuance date, and any importation must be done within this period.
During the monthly briefing at the unit’s headquarters, DC Ejibunu highlighted the commitment of the officers to their duty, resulting in 50 seizures in July due to non-compliance with Customs laws. Notable among the seizures were foreign parboiled rice, premium motor spirit in jerry cans, bulletproof jackets, pistol pouches, jack knives, school shoes, Indian Hemp, vegetable oil, Honda Motorcycle, and used vehicles. The total duty paid value of the seized items amounted to N462,708,875.
The unit recovered N66,493,346.41 as revenue into the Federation Account by issuing demand notices for underpaid Customs duties. Thirteen suspects were arrested in connection with some of the seizures and are under investigation and prosecution. Additionally, three suspects were apprehended, and 7,728 kilograms of cannabis sativa were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Lagos State Command, for further investigation and prosecution.
DC Ejibunu expressed his gratitude to the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his support in enhancing the unit’s performance. He also warned smugglers to stop their activities, as it can harm the national economy and affect living standards adversely.
