The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) for the South West Zone announced the seizure of illegal goods worth N1.38 billion between July and August 2024. The JBPT coordinator, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Mohammed Shuaibu, shared this information during a press briefing in Lagos.
Shuaibu detailed the confiscated items, which include 4,019 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,633 bags of foreign rice, 868 bales of second-hand clothes, 790 bottles of Codeine syrup, 338 sacks of artificial razing, and 135 sacks of cannabis.
Other seized goods included used footwear, 77 sacks of ginger, 45 bags of food additive Calcium Propionate, and 15 used vehicles.
Additionally, Shuaibu revealed that the unit arrested 18 suspected human trafficking victims and two suspected traffickers.
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He emphasized that the joint border operation, initiated by the federal government in 2019, has been effective in curbing smuggling and cross-border crimes, contributing to national security and revenue generation through auctions and additional payments.
The team also worked with the Nigeria Immigration Service to intercept 125 individuals denied entry and 11 individuals refused departure due to immigration violations. Furthermore, the unit recovered N26.1 million in revenue from underpaid vehicles and goods.
Shuaibu highlighted the growing challenge of fuel smuggling and vowed to intensify efforts to stop such activities, especially as the year progresses. He called on community leaders and citizens to raise awareness about the dangers of smuggling and urged smugglers to stop their illegal practices, warning that the government is prepared to take action.
In his statement, Shuaibu thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his team for providing the support and logistics necessary to achieve these results.
