Customs

By Anwar Usman 

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi, has handed over 21 exotic cars worth over N8.1 billion to the Canadian government. 

The exotic vehicles include Rolls Royce, Labomgini Horicane, Mercedes-AMG and Range Rover. 

The comptroller explained that members of the syndicate stole vehicles from foreign countries and subsequently imported them into Nigeria using forged documents, adding that with the aid of the recently established Operations Hot Wheel, officers had recovered about 21 exotic cars from the criminal gang. 

Operation Hot Wheel comprises officers from the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Canadian government. 

Adeniyi revealed that all 21 vehicles were recovered with the aid of the Canadian government as well as the EFCC.Speaking at the official handing over of the stolen vehicles, the CGC stated the Nigeria Customs Service had doubled its operations against vehicle trafficking syndicates operating within the country’s borders. 

The CGC added that, “according to INTERPOL reports, West Africa has emerged as a renown destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network, which extends from Europe and North America to as far as South America and Australia.

This challenge is particularly acute in Nigeria”. Adeniyi also highlighted that available data according to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that between 2013-2015, only 54 per cent of stolen vehicles were recovered, noting that it shows the scale and sophistication of this criminal enterprise. 

“Recent intelligence from international law enforcement agencies further confirms that our region has become a preferred destination for internationally stolen vehicles, a trend that not only denigrate Nigeria’s international world view but also impacts our economy through substantial revenue losses and increased security spending” Adeniyi stated. 

“In order to combat these challenges, the Nigeria Customs Service came up with Operation Hot Wheels, a targeted enforcement initiative aimed at disrupting the flow of stolen vehicles into Nigeria through our ports and borders. Launched as a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Canadian authorities, the operation focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance, and strategic interdiction. 

“The operation’s primary objectives included identifying and intercepting stolen vehicles, dismantling trafficking networks, and strengthening international cooperation in tackling transnational vehicle theft. This multi agency approach was designed to leverage the unique capabilities and jurisdictional advantages of each participating organization,” Adenyi stated. 

According to him, criminals are now using various tactics, including false declarations and the use of containerised shipments, attempting to circumvent customs detection systems. 

He said the operation exposed how stolen vehicles were being smuggled through the nation’s ports using legitimate cargo as cover.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigerian Customs Service has made a significant seizure of illicit drugs, including cannabis sativa and Tramaking tablets valued at N117,587,405. 

Comptroller James Ojo, Controller of the Ogun Area 1 Command, revealed the seizure during a media briefing on Friday while handing over the contraband to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). 

Ojo expressed concern about the alarming rise in drug smuggling, describing it as “worrisome and a significant threat to national security.”

He noted that the seizures, made across various strategic locations in Ogun State, highlight the severity of drug trafficking within Nigeria’s borders. 

The seized items include 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 7,217.7 kg, and 362 packs of Tramaking tablets (225mg each).

These were intercepted at hotspots such as the Agbawo/Iganokoto area in Yewa North and Imeko Afon Local Government Areas. 

Ojo commended his officers for their vigilance and bravery and issued a stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking and smuggling, urging them to desist or face the full force of the law. 

The Commander of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, Olusegun Adeyeye, praised the Customs Command for its relentless efforts in the fight against drug trafficking.

“This seizure is a testament to the synergy between the NDLEA and Customs in combating the menace of drug abuse and smuggling,” Adeyeye stated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command has collected N2.014 trillion in revenue as of November 19, 2024.

This feat was announced by Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, during a routine parade at the command headquarters in Apapa. 

Comptroller Olomu praised officers for their dedication. He stated, “To meet this revenue target, despite economic challenges, reflects the sacrifice and commitment of our officers, men, and stakeholders.”

He stated the command’s aim to reach N2.2 trillion by year-end, citing the Comptroller-General of Customs’ (CGC) potential 10% target increase. 

The command’s revenue contribution represents 40% of the NCS’s total collection of N5.07 trillion. Olomu attributed the success to the CGC’s leadership in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and enforcement. 

Comptroller Olomu urged officers to maintain positive revenue and enforcement records, ensuring seizures are accompanied by arrests for effective anti-smuggling efforts.

The command will host an end-of-year gathering and award night to honour contributors to its 2024 success.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) signed a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with India on November 16, 2023.  

This move, negotiated since 2016, aims to enhance collaboration between customs administrations, streamline border clearance processes, and curb customs-related offences. 

Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, representing the NCS at the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, noted the agreement’s benefits.

He said, “The agreement is expected to enhance collaboration between customs administrations, streamline border clearance processes, and curb customs-related offences.

“By facilitating the swift clearance of goods and reducing trade costs, the CMAA is set to bolster cross-border trade development and improve the enforcement of customs laws.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The World Customs Organisation (WCO), in collaboration with the German Federation, has successfully conducted a five-day training program focused on the detection of small arms and light weapons for officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Police Force.

The training took place from September 16 to 20, 2024, at the Old Secretariat in Garki, Abuja, and involved 25 Customs officers along with personnel from the Nigerian Police Force and Nigerian Army.

The workshop was officially inaugurated by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) in charge of Strategy, Research, and Policy, Sulaiman Chiroma, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

ACG Chiroma stated the significance of the training in enhancing the participants’ ability to detect illegal arms, a vital component of the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) ongoing efforts to combat weapon smuggling into the country.

“This training has gone beyond what we see today. It’s not just about small arms and light weapons for Nigeria Customs Service personnel, but a national initiative, evidenced by the involvement of other agencies,” ACG Chiroma stated.

He further noted that the training is part of the broader West African Security Project (WASP), aimed at fostering collaboration among West African nations in light of shared borders and security challenges.

Chiroma praised the WCO and the German Federation for their ongoing support in organizing such vital training programs, which play a crucial role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of Customs officers.

He urged participants to apply their newly acquired skills diligently.

He said, “You have learned the terminologies of arms detection, and the challenge now is to apply and expand upon what you have learned. To whom much is given, much is expected.”

Participants were encouraged to share their knowledge with colleagues in their respective commands.

“The facilitators and resource persons have provided you with invaluable insight. Now, it’s your responsibility to ensure that this knowledge doesn’t remain with you alone but is passed on to others in your field,” Chiroma added.

The training covered various critical topics, including the detection of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), understanding cultural chemicals, and mastering techniques to combat insecurity in the West African subregion.

Chiroma noted that this comprehensive approach to security training is expected to enhance efforts against illegal arms trafficking throughout the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi  

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has achieved a historic milestone, recording an all-time high revenue collection of N1.5 trillion from January to September 2024.  

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, in charge of the command, made the announcement during a parade on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, attributing the success to “meticulous documentation and professional discipline” by officers and men.  

Olomu praised the officers for their “resilience, commitment, and professionalism” and charged them to strive for more. “We must surpass this achievement.

We cannot afford to relax.”  He assured that the service will continue to reward diligence, commitment, and dedication to duty by officers.  Comptroller Olomu attributed the command’s outstanding performance to the motivation and rewards system introduced for officers who performed creditably.

“The excellent revenue generation is a result of blockage of all revenue generating leakage and proper documentation of payments by officers who were adequately motivated.”  

He encouraged officers to strive for excellence in carrying out their statutory duties.  

Olomu expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for leading by example.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Operation Whirlwind has announced a major seizure of over 20,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N18 million, during a seven-day operation in the Zone ‘A’ area. 

According to Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, “These seizures were made at strategic locations in Ogun State, including Ere River, Imeko, and Idiroko, where smugglers attempted to illegally transport fuel. The operation also led to the confiscation of five vehicles used for smuggling.” 

Ejibunu stated the need for a collective effort to tackle the illegal exportation of PMS to neighbouring countries, stating that such activities pose a threat to Nigeria’s economic stability. 

He assured that his team will intensify efforts to protect Nigeria’s petroleum resources and bring economic saboteurs to justice, warning smugglers to desist from their actions and embrace legitimate trade. 

“There is no hiding place for those involved in illicit trade. Their only option is to embrace legitimate business,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a ceremony held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi handed over the Vice-Chair of the World Customs Organization (WCO) West and Central African Region to Mali’s Inspector-General of Customs, Amadou Konate. 

CGC Adeniyi stated the significance of the sub-region, saying, “The sub-region serves as a platform for Customs Administrations to share experiences and develop lasting solutions to their common problems.” 

He also pledged mutual mentorship and support, identifying areas where the Nigeria Customs Service could assist the Malian Customs Administration.

Adeniyi explained the WCO framework, stating, “The WCO is an umbrella body uniting over 184 Customs Administrations worldwide. Each of the six global regions has an elected Vice-Chair who assists the Secretary-General in the administrative structure.” 

Inspector-General Konate expressed gratitude for the hospitality and expressed interest in building strong collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.

He noted the differences in administrative structures but welcomed the opportunity to learn from Nigeria’s experience. 

The handover marks a significant milestone in regional cooperation and knowledge sharing among customs administrations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Navy have joined forces to suppress waterway smuggling in Lagos.

Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye of the NCS Western Marine Command visited the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Real Admiral Mustapha Hassan, on Tuesday, seeking support in tackling smuggling within the waterways. 

“We are here for consolidation. The FOC has promised us so many things, and they are even ready to release their boats,” Bamisaiye said, adding to the existing synergy between the two agencies. 

On tackling smuggling, Bamisaiye stated, “We are unrelenting in suppressing smuggling… We will match force with them. We are ready, and even with the promise from the FOC, we know that we are good to go.” 

Real Admiral Mustapha Hassan acknowledged the role of Customs in Nigeria’s blue economy, saying, “When the Western Marine Command tops its job, the sky is the limit.”

He proposed a joint patrol to combat smuggling, saying, “We will collaborate and make sure we bring smuggling to an end in Lagos.”

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its commitment to intensifying surveillance and enforcement measures to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country. 

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a meeting with a delegation from the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), led by National Coordinator, DIG Babatunde Kokumo (rtd), at the Service’s Headquarters in Abuja. 

Adeniyi described Kokumo’s appointment as “placing a round peg in a round hole” and expressed readiness to strengthen their collaboration to promote public safety and security. 

“I want to believe that you’ve brought a wealth of experience to this assignment, and I have no doubt that you will have a successful tour of duty. Let me also say that Nigeria Customs Service is delighted to collaborate with the centre to create your mandate,” Adeniyi said. 

The CGC states the Service’s modest contributions to ensuring proficient scrutiny of merchandise coming into the country, citing recent seizures of arms and military wares at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, and other ports. 

Kokumo appreciated the collaboration between NCS and NCCSALW, saying, “Let me thank you for the opportunity accorded us to meet you, and I wish to let you know that we have been monitoring your activities.” 

He commended Adeniyi for his recent achievements in seizing arms and ammunition, which he said would help control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.