A remarkable achievement has been unveiled by the Controller of Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bamidele Makinde. In an official statement released on Tuesday, Makinde disclosed that the command has achieved a commendable feat in the month of July. The revenue generated through baggage assessment and proceeds from auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) reached a significant sum of N13,370,229.00.
Providing further details, Controller Bamidele Makinde revealed that the Command’s vigilant efforts also led to the seizure of an impressive haul of illicit goods. A total of 2,113 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, were confiscated. Furthermore, 21 units of vehicles, 17,950 liters of PMS, and 1,416 pieces of used tires were among the other items seized during the operations.
The spokesperson of the Command, Hammed Bukoye Oloyede, issued the comprehensive statement, which was made available to journalists in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. According to Makinde, these seizures were the outcome of strategically planned and intelligence-driven operations carried out across different locations within the state.
Makinde emphasized that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items amounted to an impressive N106,757,592.00. These actions were executed in strict accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023.
“The Customs’ operatives are empowered by various sections and subsections of the Act to conduct patrols for the enforcement of Customs & Excise Laws. This includes the authority to make seizures, detentions, and arrests of suspects involved in smuggling activities,” noted Makinde. He further highlighted that the Act stipulates penalties for activities such as obstruction of officers, hindrance, assaults on officers during lawful duty, as well as attempts to prevent seizures or arrests. These offenses can attract hefty fines of up to N5,000,000.00, imprisonment for five years, or both.
While expressing his appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the command’s officers and personnel, Makinde urged them to maintain their dedication to duty, always ensuring that their actions are carried out with courtesy and professionalism.
Makinde also took the opportunity to acknowledge the recent visit of the Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the Command. He lauded the visit as an encouraging gesture that boosts the morale of the officers.
In the spirit of engagement with stakeholders, Makinde expressed gratitude for the participation of key stakeholders during the visit of the Acting CGC. These included representatives from sister agencies, security agencies from Igolo, members of the Inter-border Forum, and clearing agents.
The Controller praised the warm reception extended to the Acting CGC by traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and residents of Idiroko and Ipokia communities during his visits to the Palaces of Oniko of Ikolaje and Onipokia of Ipokia.
In his concluding remarks, Makinde applauded the responsible behavior of compliant travelers, acknowledging their honesty and patriotism, which contributed significantly to the impressive revenue generated during the month of July.
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