Hand Over Illicit Drugs, Arms and Ammunition

By Kelvin Kagbare and Michael Owolabi

The Customs Area Controller, CAC, of the Tin Can Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, Mni, has attributed the high revenue generated and seizures made by officers and men of the Command to a renewed vigour, commitment and dedication to duty by Customs officers at Tin Can in collaboration with other arms of government agencies at the port.

Giving update of operational activities at the port last week, the Tin Can CAC in choosing the 2024 Theme of “The Year of the Stakeholders ” at the Command, he took cognizance of the CGC’s vision of Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation in Customs operations-going forward.

Speaking on  revenue generated at the Command, Comptroller Nnadi said the command recorded a total collection of two hundred and thirty billion, three hundred and two million, seven hundred and forty-three thousand, twenty three naira, forty seven kobo (N240,302,743,023.47) for the period of January to mid-March 2024.

Giving a breakdown of the Command’s revenue profile, the Comptroller stated that the command collected a total of Eighty Eight Billion, Four Hundred and Thirty Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Six thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Two Naira, Seventy-Two Kobo (N88,430,126,122.72) in the month of January 2024,this is 7.89% higher than the value of Forty-Two Billion, Five Hundred and Thirty-Six Million, Three Hundred and Thirty-Six Thousand, Thirty-Eight Naira and Eleven kobo (N42,536,336,038.11) for the month of January 2023.

“In February 2024,the command generated One Hundred Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety-Nine Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Seven Naira, Seventy-One Kobo(N100,399,354,887.71) this is 41.82% higher than the value collected on the same period in 2023 which is Forty -One Billion, Five Hundred and Eighteen Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty Nine Naira and Nine Kobo(N41,518,738,649.09)”

“In the month of March 2023, the command recorded the sum of Forty-Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Three Million, One Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-Four Naira, Eleven Kobo(N42,473,262,013.00) collected from 1st – 13th March 2024” the CAC said.

In its enforcement and anti-smuggling efforts, Compt. Dera Nnadi,  said that the command has not relented. His words “Being the lead agency at the port, the Enforcement unit has coordinated several 100% physical examination under my supervision in collaboration with critical stakeholders to ensure that the command is freed of any form of noncompliance to international trade”.

He listed some of the seizures made to include 12 pieces of rifles and 6 pistols, two (2) packets of 50pcs of 9mm live ammunition, totalling 100 rounds and twenty-three packets weighing 23kg of substance confirmed to be heroine.

others are:

1. Marked white 999– Ten (10) packets of 1kg each=10kg, Marked white 888– Three (3) packets of 1kg each =3kg iii. Marked blue Saphire— Eight (8) packets of 1kg each = 8kg

1. Marked 777 Bentley— Two (2) packets of 1kg each=2kg

also listed as seized by the Command are:

1. Flat screen Television sets.
2. HP printer.

iii. Six (6) cartons containing scanner machines.

1. Five (5) empty metal Jerry cans.
2. Two (2) washing machines
3. Three (3) sets of bed frames.

vii. One (1) set of living room furniture.

viii. Three (3) used micro wave.

1. One (1) used vacuum cleaner.
2. Table tennis.
3. One (1) sport bicycle.

xii. Two wooden crates of light fittings.

xiii. One (1) wooden crate containing a motorized toy car.

xiv. DSTV dish.

1. One (1) used Samsung refrigerator.

xvi. Four (4) sets of used sound systems.

xvii. One (1) used barbecue grill.

xviii. Two (2) used toasters

xix. Three (3) used blenders.

1. Sixteen (16) bags containing used clothes and personal effects.

The Tin Can CAC expressed his sincere appreciation of continuous support by the CGC, Bashir Adeniyi MFR and his management team.

“Every support from the Service headquarters is  significant in enhancing the Command’s operational activities and contributes largely to its achievements” Compt Dera Nnadi, mni, said.

He also commended efforts of all officers in rank and file, CIU operatives, Customs Police, Enforcement Unit and other sister security agencies as well as the crucial role of the gentlemen of the press.

Maritime Nigeria recalls that Controller Nnadi has exhibited character, uncanny resolve and firm determination in the discharge of his duties as he brings to bear his anti-smuggling and revenue drive experiences/exploits in steering operations at the Tin Can Command where he leads implementation of policies for the Service.