Mr Thomas Jonah, Deputy Comptroller, Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, says the command seized 14,100 litres of Automotive Gas Oil and other items worth N83.1 million within 45 days of his assumption of office.
Jonah disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos while briefing journalists on the command’s recent intelligence-driven enforcement operations and routine patrols along the nation’s waterways.
He said the command seized 204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 40 cartons of assorted cosmetics and 282 kegs of Automotive Gas Oil, equivalent to 14,100 litres, with a combined Duty Paid Value(DPV) of N83.1 million, since he assumed office on Sept. 26.
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Jonah said that the seizures were recorded in separate operations conducted within the command’s area of operations, as part of sustained efforts to combat smuggling and other illicit activities.
He said that the first operation took place on Nov. 5, when a joint patrol team comprising officers from Yekeme, Badagry and the Command Information patrol intercepted and recovered 40 cartons of assorted cosmetic products.
In the second operation, Jonah said that, at about 3:45 a.m. on Nov 6, a joint patrol team of Yekeme, Badagry and the Command Information Patrol, while on routine patrol along Akere waterways, intercepted and recovered 50 kegs of Automotive Gas Oil, each containing 50 litres, amounting to 2,500 litres.
Similarly, he said that, at about 1:00 a.m. on Nov. 7, the Command’s Information and Barbeach Outstation Team, acting on credible intelligence, mobilised to Takwabay waterways where they intercepted 232 kegs of Automotive Gas Oil totalling 11,600 litres.
Jonah said that the Takwabay operation also resulted in the seizure of one fibre boat fitted with a 40HP outboard engine, suspected to have been used in the attempted smuggling operation.
He said that the command also recorded seizures of 204 bags of foreign parboiled rice with a DPV of N19,584,000 through its enforcement activities, demonstrating its commitment to preventing illegal importation and circulation of prohibited goods.
Jonah said that in all the operations, the suspected smugglers abandoned the items and fled upon sighting the approaching customs officers, thereby evading arrest, while the recovered items were evacuated to the command.
He said that the seized petroleum products had been converted to seizure and constructively warehoused in view of their highly combustible and inflammable nature, while other seized items were being handled in accordance with established Customs procedures.
Jonah commended the officers and men involved in the operations for their vigilance, professionalism, dedication and prompt response to credible intelligence, noting that their efforts reflected the service’s commitment to its statutory responsibilities.
He reassured members of the public, particularly stakeholders and communities along the waterways, that the command would continue to strengthen its operational strategies and intelligence-gathering efforts.
He said this was in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, adding that the command would also deepen collaboration with relevant security agencies.
Jonah called on members of the public to support the Service by providing credible and timely information that would assist in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in illicit activities, reiterating that there would be no hiding place for smugglers and economic saboteurs.
He added that the seized automotive gas oil would be auctioned to the general public in accordance with the legal provisions of extant laws, due to its combustible and dangerous nature.
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