Balogun Records Over N13m Revenue Recovery In 4 Weeks

… Causes Major Scare With Unprecedented Shakedown

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Compt. Balogun showcasing some of the seizures

Newly deployed Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ Controller, Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun may have caused a major scare within the smuggling underworld, in a demonstration of his enforcement capability; roughing the waters with the recovery of Thirteen million, four hundred and fifty-one thousand, eight hundred and forty-eight naira (N13,451,848) within a month of assumption of office.

This is in addition to a major crackdown  in the zone leading to the seizures of various questionable controlled and trade goods with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1, 010,113,880.00 (one billion, ten million, one hundred and thirteen thousand, eight hundred and eight naira) only.

A released signed and made available to our reporter by the Unit Public Relations Officer, SC Rose Nche, indicated that Balogun disclosed above during his maiden press briefing at the Unit’s Headquarters in Owerri, Thursday, April 17, 2025.

The Unit new sheriff who reportedly frowned at nefarious activities of smugglers in the zone, described smuggling as economic sabotage , whether in the form of bringing prohibited goods into the country or attempts to cut corners which  thwarts the laid down framework for revenue collection, “all have negative impact on our local industries, and affect the well-being of individuals”, he said.

Obviously, an anti-smuggling chief to watch given his striking and uncommon dexterity to make significant impact, Comptroller Balogun took had upon take over on the March 20, 2025, redesigned and strengthened the operational strategy he inherited; and immediately swung into action.

The result of these actions is manifest in the recorded seizures aimed at bringing smuggling activities in the zone to its minimal level.

While giving the breakdown of the seizures, Balogun  listed the following:

• 725 Bales of Second-Hand Used Clothing.
• 2762 Rolls of Satin Fabric Of 60 Yards.
• 2589 Used Tyres.
• 233 Sacks of 2kg Foreign Rice.
• 181 Rolls of Wall Covering.
• 102 Bottles of 75cl Diesel.
• 80 Jerry Can of 25l Of Pms (Calabar).
• 78 Jerry Cans of 25l Crude Oil.
• 32 New Tyres.
• 25 Bales of Cannabis Sativa.
• 24 Bottles of 150cl Of Diesel.
• 14 Bags of 50kg Foreign Rice.
• 3 Carton of Redwine.
• 1 Sack of Used Shoes.
• 1 Scannia Container Body Truck Reg No: T 281 A2la.
• 1 Mercedez Truck Reg No: Nke 323 Xe.
• 1 Mack Truck Reg No: Xb654-Bny 2001.
• 1 Mack Truck With Reg No: App 808 Xa.
• 2 X 40 Ft Empty Containers.
• 5 Parcel Of Cannadian Loud.

He warned that recalcitrant offenders will have no rest or hiding place under his watch, and called on traders to embrace compliance and support the Nigeria Customs Service commitment to facilitate trade.

The statement reads: “Comptroller Bishir reinstated that no matter the intentions of smugglers and those patronizing them, the unit will not relent in carrying out its statutory functions which are backed up with intelligence-driven strategies by the Comptroller General of Customs,  Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.”

While commending officers and men of the unit, Balogun  urged them to remain resolute and focused, and to be diligent and professional at all time, and hence help to contribute their quota to protecting and promoting the national economy, by blocking all revenue leakages, grow their enforcement skills and up their dedication in taking charge of the nation’s entry points, being of uttermost importance to the unit.

“The unit must work together to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) as directed by our CGC B.A Adeniyi (MFR); to continue to make this government to succeed.”

Speaking on some of the seizures which falls under the purview of sister agencies, such as the cannabis sativa, Comptroller Balogun said will be handed over to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

“These timely successes and achievements are as a result of the purposeful leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, high-level of professionalism, commitment, and teamwork.

“The unit is also determined to sanitize the zone of any form of un-customs activities and facilitate legitimate trade.NCS is committed to the consolidation of successes already achieved, collaborative engagement with critical stakeholders, and innovative ideas in its dealings to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations.”

While thanking the CGC and his entire management team for their support and encouragement, he charged the media to help in amplifying the campaign against illicit trade within and across the nation’s borders; in addition to calling on Nigerians to support the service with credible information and intelligence that will assist in stemming the ugly tide of smuggling.