BERLIN: The Federal Operations Unit (F.O.U), Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, says it has recorded 482 seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N294.4 million in the first quarter of 2015.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos by the Public Relations Officer of the unit, Mr Uche Ejesieme. According to the statement, 36 suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures.
It explained that the seizures made in the period under review, represented 45 per cent increase when compared to seizures made in the corresponding period of 2014. A breakdown showed that 8,584 bags of rice with a DPV of N55.7 million were impounded, while 11,647 cartons of frozen poultry products with a DPV of N62.8 million were also intercepted. Also, according to the statement, 86 units of assorted fairly-used vehicles valued at N108.5 million were seized.
The statement noted that other seized goods were: textiles, foot wears, vegetable oil, insecticides, wine, soaps and spaghetti, all with a DPV of N67.2 million. “We are confident that our renewed zeal and optimism will be the catalyst for optimal performance. “The war against smuggling, no doubt, is a herculean task, because of the natural tendency for smugglers to fight back each time their goods are seized. “
However, we have remained undeterred, as we believe that we have a responsibility to secure the nation against influx of prohibited goods. “We will not abdicate this responsibility for whatever reason,’’ the statement said.
The service urged Nigerians to support it through genuine information which could assist in tracking smugglers and their routes. The statement said the unit would continue to ensure that it was steps ahead of smugglers. “We have also institutionalised the concept of Customs Community Relations (CCR), which is meant to provide an enabling environment for operations in our places of assignment. “This became imperative as a result of cases of incessant attack of our operatives in some volatile areas.
“We have also collaborated and synergised with the various security agencies in line with the six-point agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko. “In addition, we have incorporated ICT in our anti-smuggling drive and the resultant effect has been phenomenal,’’ it said.
