The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A Ikeja, reported that it stopped contraband valued at N2.9 billion in the first quarter of 2024.
Speaking to reporters in Lagos on Friday, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Hussein Ejibunnu, disclosed that 29 individuals were taken into custody during that time.
He also mentioned that in that period, 12,278 bags of rice, equal to 21 trailers, were confiscated by the command.
“Other items confiscated include 40 used vehicles, 286 cartons of rubber sandals, 1,220 cartons of imported tomato paste, 2,705 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit, 3,510 used pneumatic tyres, 330 bales of secondhand clothing, and 2,230 kg of Indian Hemp,
“Additionally, there were 1,569 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products, 365 cartons of unbranded medicines, 104 units of Haojuo motorcycles, and 566 cartons of sandals and more,” Ejibunnu stated.
He also mentioned that during the review period, the command collected N305 million through the issuance of debit notes.
Ejibunnu expressed dismay over attacks on officers carrying out their lawful duties by suspected smugglers.
He clarified that the officers were targeted in Oyo State.
“Recently, officers of this unit were performing their legal duties when they were fired upon by some armed men suspected to be smugglers near Igbori Village, in Oyo State.
“Although some of the officers in the patrol team sustained injuries, the attackers were repelled with superior firepower,” he explained.
Ejibunnu cautioned armed non-state actors to be mindful of the legal consequences of their actions if apprehended.
“We will not be swayed or discouraged by their tricks. The rules of engagement will be fully implemented in compliance with the Service’s Standard Operating Procedures to counter any attack on officers,” he concluded.
