Following the government battle to get rid of desperate smugglers and their accomplices, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Command, on Thursday, said it has made collection of N15.8billion revenue in first quarter between 1st February and 30th April 2021. This was contained in a press statement by the Commands Spokesperson DSC Kayode Wey to Hybrid Online News Nigeria.
This figure is said to be the cumulative of import duty from bonded terminals, excise duty from factories under the excise net, auction fees and all other ancillary charges into both federation and non-federation accounts.
In it’s continuous onslaught against dare-devil economic saboteurs, the Command introduced new strategies codename “Excise Task Force,” in furtherance to strengthen its anti-smuggling capabilities.
The Command new drive was aimed to manage the excise factories extensively, thus widen the dragnet to infuse such firms that have qualified to be enlisted under the Customs and Excise Control.
According to Wey, while quoting Comptroller Abdulkadir, disclosed that the strategy was aimed to take the battle to smugglers den through tactical raids and interceptions of smuggled items through the land borders.
Comptroller Adamu Abdulkadir insists that the Oyo/Osun States Borders remain closed to any form of inward or outward trade.
He however, recalled that the Command had inaugurated “Operation Fish Out” team to further enhance its anti-smuggling capabilities by taking the battle to smugglers den through tactical raids and interceptions of smuggled items through the land borders.
“Now, another proficient team has been set up codenamed “Excise Task Force” to manage the Excise Factories extensively and widen the dragnet to infuse factories that have qualified to be enlisted under the Customs and Excise Control.
The developments, he said has further improved the performance and achievement of the Command on Revenue and Enforcement procedures, which have enable the Command carried out its enforcement and anti-smuggling activities with utmost professionalism, caution and intelligence gathering
“The Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.) has directed that more stringent measures to further strengthen the interception capabilities of Customs officers and men in corroboration with the extant laws and regulations guiding import/export procedures of the country.
In other to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery, we visited sister agencies, our outstations and outposts as well as patrol bases including traditional rulers of the towns under our coverage, which are; Aiyegun, Igbojaiye (Ilero), Eruwa, Igbeti, Saki, Kisi, Iseyin, Ipapo, Okaka, Ago-Are, Oshogbo, to mention but a few.
This in effect is to adequately sensitize the people by seeking their cooperation as they have major role to play in the socio-economic development and security architecture of the states, he said.
“It has been a difficult time for the nation but in the midst of this, there are some unscrupulous elements who are still trying to frustrate the effort of the Service in meeting up to its target and we have been dealing with them decisively” he added.
While giving an insight on the Command anti- smuggling activities, Abdulkadir emphasized that, “Notwithstanding the aforementioned, it is my pleasure to inform you that we have not lost is of the very important function of the fight against smuggling, but have sharpened our intelligence, re-rhhthhhh e, created new patrol teams and drawn a more robust Area of Responsibility (AOR) chart to help combat these illicit activities.
“In line with Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 LFN 2004 (CEMA) which guides the operations of the service, we have conducted our duties with professionalism and efficiency.
“We invoke sections 147 and 151 of the CEMA with the power to search premises for uncustom goods and power to give rewards to informants who give genuine intelligence to help improve the capabilities of the Command on anti-smuggling duties.
“Sections 158 and 167 of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) CAP C45 LFN 2004 empower Customs officers to patrol freely across the nation and makes provision for detentions, seizures and condemnation of goods.
“For those who are used to blocking or attacking our officers, preventing them from making required arrests and seizures in your communities, be rest assured that we shall fish you out and prosecute you under Section 11 of the CEMA Cap C45 LFN 2004” he said.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you once again to the Headquarters of the Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command for another press briefing in the wake of the security challenges to showcase the achievements of the Command between the month of February and April, 2021.
He however hinted that the Command’s anti-smuggling achievement within the same period under review include: 3,311 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice with Duty Paid Value of N88,309,324.00, 487 kegs of 25liters each of Premium Motor Spirit with Duty Paid Value of N2,906,775.00, 221 cartons of Imported dry fish with Duty Paid Value of N20,427,291.00 with additional 9 sacks of same in DPV of N10,971.00 and 9 sacks of Cannabis Sativa with Duty Paid Value of N1,440,180.00.
Among the seized items are 6 bales of used shoes with Duty Paid Value of N288,294.00, 138 (10 ltr) gallons of Vegetable Oil with duty paid value of N1,903,710.00 with 572 (2.5 ltr) gallons with DPV of N2,367,222.00, 21 bales of secondhand clothing’s with Duty Paid Value of N4,945,020.00 and 1 unit of used DAF Truck with Duty Paid Value of N11,878,529.00 making a total of N134,477,316.00.
The Oyo/Osun Controller attributed the unprecedented seizures to the unrelenting efforts of his operatives who refused to leave any stone unturned, support given to the service and other stakeholders.
He revealed by saying that, “Our officers and men at the Command have shown professionalism, zeal and experience in the gallant discharge of their duties, adding that they are key to the success showcased today, by weathering the storm vigilantly to ensure the mandate of the CGC is upheld.
“I want to appreciate the collaboration of the Customs Intelligence Unit, Border Drill, Strike Force, Federal Operations Unit and other sister agencies in carrying out the anti-smuggling activities.
“Abdulkadir said he appreciated the efforts of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for his magnanimity and support in the donation of 2 units of JAC LHD 4×4 Pic-Up to enhance our operations in keeping the borders safe.
“I will also like to acknowledged the cooperation of the traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders and the good people of Oyo and Osun states in identifying and providing enabling environment for the officers to function properly, he added.
While speaking on the state of the economy and border lines, stressed that, “We urge the public to cooperate with the Service in the implementation of Government Fiscal Policies to help improve the Economic and Social welfare of the nation.