Ntadi Makes Seizures Worth Over N352m In 2 Months

…Embarks On Impressive Command Infrastructural Facelift

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The new Customs Area  Controller (CAC), Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Patrick Ntadi  has within two months of assumption of office made a total seizures of N352,952,200 in Duty Paid Value (DPV).

Compt. Ntadi showcasing some of the seizures

This is even as he has also embarked on an extensive demolition of illegal structures around the command premises, warning press passers to behave themselves and steer clear of the landed property of the Nigeria Customs Service; a bold and courageous move aimed at recovering the command’s landed properties lost to ill informed decisions and lack of commitment towards the protection of the Service’s properties.

In the same vein, the new customs marine command flagship boss has since taken over at the driver seat of the renovation and construction of the command’s new structures, directing and monitoring to ensure that the project timeline is not missed.

Speaking during his maiden media press briefing Tuesday, 24th June, 2025, at its  Ibafon-Olodi-Apapa head office, Ntadi told journalists that the seizures represent a significant blow to criminal networks involved in illicit trade and smuggling activities.

According to him, the seizures also reaffirm the command’s commitment to protecting the borders and ensuring that only lawful trade and commerce thrives within its territory and by extension the national economy.

He listed the impounded items to include Rice- 2,017 Bags, Cannabis Sativa – 481 loaves, Textiles and clothings- 72 bundles, Sugar – 7 Bags, 4 locally constructed fibre boats, and 5 locally constructed wooden boats.

Comptroller Ntadi who attributed the impressive scorecard to the leadership motivation of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, through enhanced intelligence gathering , improved collaboration with other security agencies, such as the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Marine Police and the Immigration Service; and the provision of patrol vessels crafts.

While handing over the bags of seized cannabis sativa to the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Comptroller Ntadi urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illegal trade in our waterways.

“We remain vigilant and proactive, continually updating our strategies to counter evolving smuggling tactics. I assure you that the Western Marine Command will not relent in its fight against smuggling and illegal activities. We are committed to upholding the laws of our land, protecting our citizens, and ensuring that justice is served.

“I express my profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team that has been instrumental in supporting this fight against smuggling operations by providing critical resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command.

“This support has empowered the Command to achieve remarkable successes in ensuring that smugglers have no safe haven on our waterways, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment for legitimate trade”, adding :

“We also want to extend our gratitude to our sister agencies like NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Marine Police, and especially The Nigerian Navy who in synergy with us in the cause of our activities towards making our operation a success has been laudable.”

Expatiating on the recovery of the command landed property and the demolition of illegal structures around the command, Ntadi fingered the involvement of hoodlums he claimed were settled to achieve the encroachment illegal taking over of parts of the command.

He also said that the mammy-like market environment created under the Coconut-Tin Can bridge road is unhealthy and does not resonate with an ideal  security environment that the command represent.

“When I came in here, I felt very insecure with those people outside. There was a market there. If we expose ourselves to those kind of people there every night, it could be dangerous.”

Pinnacle Time reports authoritatively that the command which came into existence in 1989 inherited the Julius Berger Yard for its administration and operational office, covering about 56 hectares of land. As time went on, activities of omonile (land speculators and hoodlums) and illegal squatters reared its ugly face, a development that led to the beginning of the invasion of the Service’s land. Seemingly unchallenged and allowed to operate without let or hindrance,  they became law unto themselves and early 2000, only about 10 hectares of land was left under the control of the command.

Whereas approval was reportedly given by the headquarters under the administration of then CGC Mohammed Ahmed for the contract of perimeter fencing, the project was not carried out.   

Although under the administration of Jacob Buba Gyang, the command again petitioned the headquarters on the development and requested urgent steps to stem further encroachment by fencing whatever was left, the request dragged and was unattended to; leading to more losses until the present management under the CGC Adewale Adeniyi approved immediate fencing of  the less than three plots left of the once sprawling WMC Premises; with a promise to undertake an inquiry.

An intellectual, Ntadi who hit the ground running upon getting the facts of the wasted landed property reportedly secured the approval of the CGC to embark on immediate recovery and enhanced safeguard of the place.

It will be recalled that Comptroller Yusuf Umar, another enigmatic, loyal, passionate and fine officer who revived the then dead Ondo/Ekiti Command through his midas touch, upon resuming at WMC in 2013 also ordered the cleaning of illegal trading and squatting under the bridge.

Sadly, the situation was however to revert few years after he retired and left the command. It is hoped that with the present recovery efforts and safeguard, the physical environment, ambience and infrastructural integrity and respect of the command would be restored and maintained.