Customs arrests 29 for smuggling rice, poultry products, others worth N2.8b

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), yesterday, said it arrested 29 individuals in connection with 206 seizures comprising 21 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice, 1,569 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products, and 2,705 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit, valued at N2.8b in the first quarter of 2024.

The Controller of the unit, Hussein Ejibunu, in a briefing to journalists at the Customs warehouse in Ikeja, Lagos, stated that the seized smuggled items were in violation of various sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Federal Government’s import and export prohibition guidelines.

Among the seizures recorded within the first three months of 2024 are 40 units of used vehicles, 286 cartons of rubber slippers; 1,220 cartons of foreign tomato paste; 3,510 pieces of pneumatic used tires; 330 bales of used clothes; 2,230 kilogramme of Indian Hemp; 365 cartons of unmarked drugs; 104 units of Haojue motorcycles, and 566 cartons of slippers.

Ejibunu reported that the unit’s revenue recovery during the period under review amounted to N305.3m, representing a 67 per cent collection of the N455.2 million revenue target for the year 2024.

He emphasised that smuggling detrimentally impacted society by facilitating tax evasion, endangering public health and safety, distorting fair business competitiveness, and aiding other criminal activities.

Ejibunu highlighted several provisions in the Customs Act against smuggling, including Section 228 (false statements/declaration), Section 231 (counterfeiting any seal, signature, initials, or any mark used by any officer), and Section 229 (intentional underpayment of duty), among others.

He advised citizens to avoid smuggling, highlighting that it is a criminal offence with severe legal consequences, including hefty fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions.

The Controller stated that by adhering to all relevant regulations and laws, importers and traders can avoid costly fines and penalties, maintain a good reputation, ensure smooth Customs and regulatory clearance procedures, and minimise delays and potential supply chain disruptions.

Ejibunu condemned the gun attacks on officers of the unit by suspected armed smugglers in Igbori Village, Oyo State, noting that some officers sustained injuries during the legitimate discharge of their duties, but the assailants were repelled with superior firepower.

He cautioned armed non-state actors about the legal repercussions of their actions, affirming that the Service will remain undeterred by such antics and will fully invoke the rules of engagement in compliance with the Service’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to counter any attacks on officers.