Customs seizes smuggled counterfeit dollar notes, artifacts, others at Lagos Airport

The Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it intercepted 18,800 USD counterfeit notes, pieces of artifacts and antiquities as well as bags of precious stones smuggled into the country through the Lagos International Airport.

Speaking to newsmen on the activities of the command in 2023, the Custom Area Controller, MMIA, Osikhena Charles Orbih, said 8,800USD was concealed in an album, while 10,000USD counterfeit notes have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He said the command also made 125 seizures with a duty paid value of N801 million for the year 2023, which is in line with Section 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 that empowers its officers to seize and detain prohibited goods.

Orbih listed the seized items to include, 330 military and other security wares, 126 walkie talkies and their accessories, 89 seized drones and 66 drones detained, 700 rolls of cigarettes each containing 10 packs, 22 pieces of elephant tusks and 300 pieces of ladies foot wears, among other items.

He said three suspects were arrested for the illegal import, adding that they would be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed.

Orbih also disclosed that the command generated N30.5 billion from January 1 to December 31, 2023, which is five per cent higher than the revenue target of N29.1 billion given to the command by the NCS headquarters.

He also stated that the 2023 revenue record is 46 per cent higher than the N20.9 billion recorded in 2022 with a difference of N9.6 billion.

The controller noted that the command consecutively surpassed its monthly target from September to December 2023 as represented in the total revenue collected within the period under review.

He said this was the first time in the annals of the command that it collected an unprecedented sum of N4.7 billion in the month of December, which he said could be attributed to the doggedness of the officers of the command towards achieving set goals and objectives.

The controller said the command would not rest on its oars this year, stressing that it would improve its operations and facilitate legitimate trade without compromising the security of the country.

Orbih warned that any would-be economic saboteur trying to bring unwholesome or restricted items into the country through the international airport would be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.

He appreciated the synergy that exists between Customs and other government agencies working in the airport, noting that the cooperation has indeed helped in achieving the command’s core mandate, thereby strengthening its mode of operations.