*Makes N1.4b Revenue

*Nabs 12 Suspects

The Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Ikeja, Comptroller Mohammed Uba, has attributed the successes recorded by the FOU Zone “A” Customs operative under his command and leadership to the logistics support by and operational directives of the Customs Comptroller General, CGC, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd).

In furtherance of his resolve to cripple smugglers who still engage in smuggling activities within zone A, Uba and his men have again intercepted contrabands and goods/vehicles with Duty Paid Value, DPV of N1.3b.

With additional recovery of N59.5m from its interventions, the FOU Zone “A” made a cumulative revenue haul of N1.4b within the last one month.

Controller Uba and his men also arrested 12 suspects in connection with the 112 seizures made.

According to the CAC, the seizures consist of 15 exotic cars, 15 trailer load of rice, vegetable oil, used clothes, poultry products amongst others.

Uba also disclosed that four containers falsely declared are among the items intercepted by the FOU operatives from their strategic operations in line with operational directives by the CGC.

In Uba’s words “In order to ensure full implementation of the government policy banning the importation of rice through land borders and following headquarters directive on same, we re-strategized our operational modalities and beam our searchlight on the creeks and at various locations within the southwest zone cumulating in the massive seizures within the period”.

“We will continue to make sure smugglers within our areas of jurisdiction count their losses until they repent from sabotaging our economy. As you already know, smuggling is a global phenomenon that cannot be eradicated entirely but if all hands are on deck it will be reduced to its barest minimum”.

The CAC commended all officers of the Service who continue to put their lives on the line in protection of the national economy.

He warned smugglers to either stop smuggling or be prepared for worse loses.

From January to date Controller Uba and his officers at FOU Zone “A” have maintained a high momentum against smugglers and their agents.

They have combed and raided car dealers’ shops and homes within Lagos and maintained high vigilance on the highways.

Exotic cars smuggled or not properly cleared have been intercepted and seized by FOU officers. The CAC has challenged owners of such vehicles to come forward with proof of ownership and claim their cars.

So far, very few, if any importer, has stepped forward with any proof.