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By Bon Peters | The Bureau Information
Lagos | June 25, 2025
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command has introduced the interception and seizure of contraband items valued at over N352 million, reinforcing efforts to fight illicit commerce throughout Nigeria’s waterways.
This was made identified throughout a press briefing on Tuesday by the Command’s Space Controller, Comptroller PN Ntadi, on the Command’s headquarters in Lagos.
Comptroller Ntadi, whereas conducting journalists across the command premises, additionally disclosed the demolition of constructions thought-about a safety risk inside the neighborhood. He famous that the environment had turn into a hotspot for prison actions resulting from unauthorized enterprise operations below close by bridges.
“The environment had been infiltrated by hoodlums who used it as a canopy for illicit dealings. It turned crucial to reclaim and restructure the realm for enhanced safety,” he stated.
The Customs boss emphasised the necessity for renewed vigilance on the borders, stating that the seizures come at a time when Nigeria faces grave nationwide safety challenges.
“It’s not acceptable to deal with safety lapses with levity, particularly because the nation confronts a number of threats. These seizures symbolize a collective step towards safeguarding our financial pursuits and nationwide safety,” he added.
Particulars of the Seizure
The seizures, carried out via coordinated operations alongside maritime routes, embody the next:
- 2,017 luggage of international parboiled rice — Responsibility Paid Worth (DPV): N212,995,200
- 481 loaves of Hashish Sativa — DPV: N50,505,000
- 72 rolls of international textile materials — DPV: N71,280,000
- 7 luggage of sugar (50kg) — DPV: N672,000
- 9 domestically constructed boats (4 fibre, 5 wood) — DPV: N17,500,000
The entire Responsibility Paid Worth (DPV) of all objects stands at N352,952,200.
Tactical Operations and Collaboration
Comptroller Ntadi attributed the operational success to enhanced intelligence gathering and collaboration with sister companies such because the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Marine Police, and Immigration Service.
“Deployment of extra patrol vessels alongside the coastlines and inland waterways has additionally tremendously aided our efforts,” he said.
He urged the general public to report any suspicious exercise and reaffirmed the command’s dedication to defending Nigeria’s maritime borders.
Management Help
The Comptroller expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-Normal of Customs (CGC), Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, MFR psc+, for offering important assist and logistics to the Western Marine Command.
“The CGC’s backing has enabled us to scale new heights in anti-smuggling operations. We will not relent in upholding our obligation to the nation,” he concluded.
He additionally thanked companion companies for his or her unrelenting cooperation, which he stated has been instrumental in making a safe ambiance for authentic commerce to thrive throughout Nigerian waterways.
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