Ogun Customs seize 37 trailer-loads of rice, arrests 7 suspected smugglers

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, said it intercepted 37 trailer-loads of foreign parboiled rice in different locations between January and June 2023.

The command also said it seized 173,975 litres of petrol, which is equivalent to five tankers, adding that seven suspected smugglers were also arrested during the period under review.

The Area Controller, Bamidele Makinde, disclosed this Tuesday while briefing journalists on the activities of the command, within the last six months at its headquarters in Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

According to the Controller, Makinde disclosed that five exotic luxury buses that were allegedly smuggled into Nigeria through the Ohumbe land border were also interrupted by operatives of the command.

Makinde maintained that the command generated N93.301 million from import duties, auction sales of petrol, and scrap vehicles, saying the revenue generated is an increase of 310 per cent compared to last year’s N29,940m revenue within the same period in 2022.

Makinde said 392 seizures were made with the cumulative Duty Payable Value (DPV) of N1,313,628,488.

He said some of the seizures are, 5,048 pieces of used tyres, 390 bales of used clothing, 61 units of vehicles, including 5 luxury buses, 173,975 litres of petrol, 107 sacks and 1,595 wraps of cannabis sativa, 194 cartons of codeine syrup and 22,526 bags of foreign parboiled rice 50 kg each ( an equivalent of 37 trailer loads).

“We remain resolute in our fight against smuggling of rice and other prohibited items to encourage local production in line with the Federal Government of Nigeria policy on local production.

“The command was able to achieve the remarkable result due to its continuous stakeholders’ engagement, deployment of intelligence in the operation and improved discipline and total dedication to duty by the officers,” he stated.