TCIP Customs Report On Guns/Drugs Trafficking 1Qtr ‘24

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Weekend, March 15, 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Lagos Port Command  announced the seizure of 12 assault rifles and 6 pistols, various grades of ammunition in addition to narcotic substances inclusive of cocaine.

Compt. Nadi displaying some of the seized arms

While showcasing the seizures, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, also disclosed that the command generated the sum of two hundred and thirty billion, three hundred and two million, seven hundred and forty-three thousand, twenty three naira, forty seven kobo (N240,302,743,023.47) in revenue receipt between January and March 15, 2024.

The impressive scorecard clearly demonstrates the command’s leading position and capability in delivering on the service’s core mandate in the enforcement and suppression of smuggling, revenue engineering through strategic partnership and engagement, trade facilitation and the maintenance of national security; under the watch of the ’enfant terrible’ of the NCS, Nnadi.

In keeping with efforts to ensure that the national security is not compromised through negligence or tardiness of any sort and under any circumstances, Nnadi explained that the Enforcement Unit has been minded to subject suspicious containers to 100percent physical examination.

“The command anti-smuggling drive has not relented its efforts in any way. Being the lead agency at the port, the Enforcement unit has coordinated several 100% physical examination under my supervision in collaboration with critical stakeholders to ensure that the command is freed of any form of noncompliance to international trade”, he said.

Compt. Nnadi symbolically handingover the seized narcotics

Flowing from the comprehensive enforcement structure put in place, the command he said recorded 12 pieces of rifles and 6 pistols. Other weapons seized include Two (2) packets of 50pcs of 9mm live ammunition, totalling 100 rounds.

The TCIP Customs boss explained that twenty-three packets weighing 23kg of substance confirmed to be heroine were also seized.  They include white 999– Ten (10) packets of 1kg each=10kg; white 888– Three (3) packets of 1kg each =3kg; blue Saphire-Eight (8) packets of 1kg each = 8kg; and 777 Bentley- Two (2) packets of 1kg each=2kg.

Other items seized include flat screen Television sets, HP printer, Six (6) cartons containing scanner machines, Five (5) empty metal Jerry cans, Two (2) washing machines, Three (3) sets of bed frames, One (1) set of living room furniture, and Three (3) used micro wave etc.

Nnadi attributed the command’s sterling performance to partnership and cooperation amongst critical stakeholders, particularly freight forwarders and clearing agents who are at the front row of customs trade.

“The year 2024 is a year we have tagged with the theme “The Year of the Stakeholders” which aligns with the theme for the International Customs Day “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.”  This is in tandem with the fundamental pillars of the Comptroller General of Customs’s vision of Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation.”

In the area of revenue, he said, “The command recorded a total collection of two hundred and thirty billion, three hundred and two million, seven hundred and forty-three thousand, twenty three naira, forty seven kobo (N240,302,743,023.47) for the period of January 2024 till date.”

Different brands of ammunition impounded on display

Giving the breakdown of the monthly collection and percentage differentials, Nnadi noted that the command’s revenue performance within the period  under review recorded significant increase when compared to the corresponding period of 2023.

“The command collected a total of Eighty Eight Billion, Four Hundred and Thirty Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Six thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Two Naira, Seventy-Two Kobo (N88,430,126,122.72) in the month of January 2024,this is 7.89% higher than the value of Forty-Two Billion, Five Hundred and Thirty-Six Million, Three Hundred and Thirty-Six Thousand, Thirty-Eight Naira and Eleven kobo (N42,536,336,038.11) for the month of January 2023.

“In the month of February 2024,the command generated One Hundred Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety-Nine Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Seven Naira, Seventy-One Kobo(N100,399,354,887.71) this is 41.82% higher than the value collected on the same period i 2023 which is Forty -One Billion, Five Hundred and Eighteen Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty Nine Naira and Nine Kobo(N41,518,738,649.09).

“In the month of March 2023, the command recorded the sum of Forty-Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Three Million, One Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-Four Naira, Eleven Kobo (N42,473,262,013.00) collected from 1st – 13th March 2024.”

Nnadi also registered his gratitude to the service’s leadership and management, noting that the leadership provided the impetus and overriding focus through effective administrative and operational support mechanism and encouragement.

A cross section of stakeholders present during the briefing

“I sincerely wish to appreciate the continuous support of the CGC, Bashir Adeniyi MFR and his management team. Every support from the Service headquarters is significant in enhancing the Command’s operational activities and contributes largely to its achievements.

“I also want to use this medium to appreciate and commend the efforts of all officers in rank and file. Your dedication is highly impressive. The efforts of our CIU operatives, Customs Police, Enforcement Unit, amongst other units and other sister security agencies, are appreciated.”