The anti-smuggling operatives of Ogun Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted banned items valued at N380 million within a span of 23 days.
These seized items include 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, as well as 90 sacks containing 1,309 parcels of cannabis sativa, also known as Indian Hemp.
Comptroller James Ojo, the Area Controller of the Command, made this revelation on Thursday during a briefing in Abeokuta, where he highlighted the challenges faced due to the reluctance of authorities from the Republic of Benin to allow legitimate import trading activities through the Idiroko Border.
Despite the border being opened for legitimate trading, the Beninese authorities have not been cooperating, hindering the passage of goods from other West African countries.
The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the 103 seizures made within the 23-day period amounted to N380,370,911.
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Ojo expressed concern over the low volume of trade witnessed at the Idiroko Border due to these challenges, which has led some traders to resort to taking illegal routes favored by smugglers.
Efforts are underway to address the challenges hindering trade flow, with the Nigerian Customs Service officially reporting the matter to the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Ojo encouraged compliant traders to remain steadfast and assured them of maximum cooperation from the Customs.
In addition to the intercepted banned items, the Command’s anti-smuggling operatives also seized 1,596 pieces of foreign used pneumatic tyres, 32 bales of used clothes (okirika), 1,603 cartons of frozen products, and 22,600 liters of petroleum being smuggled out of the country.
Regarding revenue generation, the Idiroko Border Controller disclosed that a total of N14.6 million was realized through baggage assessments and public auction of intercepted petroleum products, reflecting the Customs’ commitment to fulfilling its core mandate.
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