By Innocent Orok
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted and seized a total of 2,017 bags of rice, 481 loaves of Cannabis Sativa, 72 bundles of foreign textile, seven bags of Sugar, four locally constructed fibre boats
and five locally constructed wooden boats. The seizures represent a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N352,952,200.
According to Comptroller
PN NTADI, Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command ,”this represents a significant blow to criminal networks involved in illicit trade and smuggling activities. It also reaffirm our
commitment to protecting our borders and ensuring that lawful trade and commerce thrive within our economy.
On the operational highlights of the Command he said,
“Our success is attributable to the motivation given to us from the Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, MFR psc+, enhanced intelligence gathering and improved collaboration with other security agencies like the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Marine Police and the
Immigration Service. We also owe our success to the deployment of more
patrol vessels along the coastlines and inland waterways.
“We remain vigilant and proactive, continually updating our strategies to
counter evolving smuggling tactics.”
While calling for action Comptroller Ntadi “I want to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any
suspicious activities related to smuggling or illegal trade in our waterways. Our collective efforts are essential in safeguarding our country’s economic integrity and social order.”
Gratitude: “Let me take this opportunity to express my profound appreciation to the
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, MFR psc+
and his management team who has been instrumental in supporting this fight against smuggling operations by providing critical resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command. This support has empowered the
Command to achieve remarkable successes in ensuring that smugglers have
no safe haven on our waterways, thereby creating a secure and thriving
environment for legitimate trade.
“We also want to extend our gratitude to our sister agencies National
Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Immigration Service,
Nigeria Marine Police, and especially The Nigerian Navy who in synergy’s with us in the cause of our activities towards making our operation a success has been laudable
Comptroller Ntadi concluded by assuring that the Western Marine Command will not
relent in its fight against smuggling and illegal activities. “We are
committed to upholding the laws of our land, protecting our citizens, and ensuring that justice is served.”
