Daud Olatunji
The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, embarked on a high-profile mission to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Friday.
This significant move came in response to the remarkable seizure of an array of smuggled goods by the vigilant Ogun 1 Area Command.
Adeniyi, accompanied by the Command’s Controller, Ahmadu Bello Shuaib, disclosed that the Command had achieved a remarkable feat within a mere two weeks.
They intercepted a staggering 1,436 used pneumatic tyres, 53 sacks, and 569 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighing a total of 1,179 kilograms.
Additionally, they apprehended a whopping 3,149 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kilograms, along with 32 vehicles employed for conveyance purposes, among other illicit items.
Addressing the press at the NCS headquarters in Abeokuta, Adeniyi emphasized the NCS’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria against potential road accidents and the menace of harmful substances.
He stressed the critical importance of their ongoing efforts in intercepting these perilous contraband.
Furthermore, the Acting Comptroller General expressed deep concern regarding the importation of foreign-used pneumatic tyres, commonly referred to as Tokunbo tyres.
He highlighted that these ring-shaped rubber coverings, filled with compressed air, are primarily designed for use in foreign countries and are unsuitable for Nigerian highways.
Adeniyi underscored that a substantial number of these tyres had exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing date, posing a severe risk to motorists and their safety.
Adeniyi also voiced apprehension about the surge in the abuse of Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as marijuana or Indian hemp, particularly among Nigerian youth.
He shed light on the ingenious tactics deployed by weed smugglers, including the utilization of land borders, creeks, and even air routes to facilitate their illegal activities.
Nevertheless, Adeniyi expressed his delight in the dedication and relentless efforts of NCS officers in Zone A, notably the Ogun 1 Area Command, which culminated in the successful interception of Cannabis Sativa and other illicit drugs.
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items was estimated at a staggering N241,977,943.
These illicit goods were intercepted at various locations, including the Papa-Ajegunle-Ilaro road, Imasayi-Joga road, Ijebu-Ode axis, and the Odogbolu bush path along the Ijebu-Ode road in Ogun State.
Expanding on their efforts, Adeniyi emphasized the NCS’s renewed determination and strategic deployment of both human and material resources.
He reiterated their unwavering commitment to protecting Nigerians from the audacious actions of daredevil smugglers.
Adeniyi concluded by affirming their resolute mission to curb illicit trade, safeguard roads from dangerous tyres, and protect the youth from the devastating effects of illicit drugs, thereby ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians
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