Ihab Salloum[ad_1]
In a bold display of commitment to national economic security, the Nigeria Customs Service is once again taking action against smugglers, money launderers, illegal arms dealers, and corrupt politicians. The start of this new year, and new decade, brings a renewed vigor to these efforts.
On January 15th, Jerry Attah, the public relations officer for the federal operations unit of the NCS in Ikeja, Lagos, announced that Usman Yahaya, the acting controller of Customs for FOU ‘A’, wasted no time in making significant interceptions of contraband goods. In just one week, Yahaya seized over N67 million worth of illegal goods.
Attah revealed that within Yahaya’s first week in office, he achieved remarkable results through the use of credible intelligence. This led to the interception of 2,065 jerry cans of vegetable oil (25 liters each), 1,185 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, and 1,500 jerry cans (25lts) of diesel. The total duty paid value of these seized goods amounted to N67,362,500.00. These interceptions were made between January 7th and January 14th, 2020, along various unapproved routes within our coverage areas.
These accomplishments were the result of thorough meetings with our sectional heads and team/patrol leaders. During these gatherings, Yahaya unveiled the management’s mandates to him. These mandates include the prevention of revenue leakages, facilitation of trade, and intensification of anti-smuggling operations at seaports, land borders, and airports in our jurisdiction within the south west zone.
DC Yahaya issued a warning to both current and potential smugglers, emphasizing the consequences they will face if they engage in illegitimate trade. Already, some are feeling the impact of their losses.
“Winning the fight against smuggling requires the collective effort of all,” Yahaya declared. He called upon the media and the general public to assist the service by providing necessary intelligence to reduce smuggling as much as possible.
Meanwhile, DC Yahaya’s redeployment is part of the Comptroller-General’s strategy to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Service in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and combating smuggling.
Prior to his appointment as the Acting Controller of FOU ‘A’, DC Usman Yahaya served as the Coordinator of the Strike Force, Zone ‘A’. He took over his new role on January 7th, 2020, succeeding Comptroller Aliyu Mohammed, who was promoted to Acting Sector 4 Commander of Border Drill Operations, code named Ex-Swift Response.
The assumption of Yahaya’s role at FOU ‘A’ has instilled panic among smugglers and non-compliant traders, who are well aware of his reputation as an Enforcement Czar.
Yahaya expressed his gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), and the entire Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service for their trust in him. He assured them that he will work diligently with all officers to justify the confidence placed in him.
Furthermore, on Tuesday in Lagos, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col Hammed Ali, rtd, informed the press about the interception of an illegal movement of over $8 million at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos. According to Ali, the FOU Customs intelligence unit received credible information, which led to the interception of the foreign currency on January 16, 2020, at the E wing unit of the MMIA.
Ali disclosed that the driver of the coaster bus carrying the currency, Chimezie Okonkwo, was apprehended. A detailed inventory of the consignment was conducted on January 18, 2020, with representatives from the Directorate of State Security Service, Customs Intelligence Unit, Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Unit, and the suspect present. The inventory revealed 20 sealed wraps containing a total of $8,065,612, which were counted under video coverage and resealed.
Ali reminded the public that only $10,000 is allowed for genuine travelers who have no intention of engaging in money laundering, international terrorism, drug smuggling, arms proliferation, and other criminal activities. He urged members of the public and the press to join the fight against smuggling and money laundering in all their forms.
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