Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, Nigeria Customs Service, has disclosed how his strategic approach to anti-smuggling yielded over N10 billion worth of seizures in the first nine months of 2024. This represents a significant increase compared to the N1 billion seizures recorded during the same period in 2023.

Speaking at the sidelines of the Comptroller General of Customs Conference in Abuja, Shuaibu highlighted the combination of intelligence, collaboration, and uncompromising enforcement as the key factors driving the unit’s success.

He pledged to intensify operations during the Yuletide period, ensuring smugglers face tougher times ahead.

Shuaibu reported that the unit made 519 seizures from January to September 2024, covering items such as endangered species, fertilizers, foreign sugar, beverages, cigarettes, narcotics, petroleum products, and pharmaceuticals.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) for these seizures amounted to ₦10,264,719,358.40, marking a 476% increase compared to the ₦1,780,860,809.01 recorded in 2023.

The controller attributed the dramatic increase in seizures to a shift in operational strategy, emphasizing intelligence-driven enforcement over reliance on physical checkpoints. A notable success was the May 2024 interception of pangolin scales, donkey bones, and meat worth over ₦7 billion in Kebbi State, achieved through intelligence and coordinated operations.

The unit also arrested 11 suspects linked to various customs offenses during this period. While some cases have been resolved, others are pending prosecution.

Shuaibu emphasized the importance of collaboration with government agencies, traditional leaders, and local communities to combat smuggling.

He initiated partnerships with law enforcement agencies and engaged community leaders to educate the public about the economic consequences of smuggling. Youth outreach programs and collaboration with NGOs were also part of the strategy to create awareness about the risks of illegal trade.

The unit streamlined its operations to align with international best practices, reducing checkpoints to facilitate legitimate trade while leveraging advanced intelligence techniques to combat smuggling.

Shuaibu also highlighted the recognition of exemplary performance among officers, which he said motivates personnel to achieve better results.
To further the unit’s goals, Shuaibu partnered with the Red Cross Society of Nigeria for a retreat aimed at educating youth on climate change and the roles of the Nigeria Customs Service in national development.

As smugglers continue to devise new ways to evade the law, Shuaibu assured that his operatives remain prepared to counter their activities, particularly during the high-risk ember months. He called for collective responsibility in tackling smuggling, noting its detrimental impact on Nigeria’s economy, industries, and employment.

Shuaibu concluded by commending the support of traditional and community leaders, whose collaboration has significantly enhanced the unit’s effectiveness in securing the country’s borders.

He reiterated his commitment to leveraging the policy thrust of Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, centered on innovation and collaboration, to achieve the unit’s mandate of trade facilitation and smuggling suppression.

Source: journalNg