Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Onne, Rivers State has generated N312.094billion in the first half of the year spanning January to June 2024, amounting to 50.5 percent of the Command’s target for the year.
The Command also generated ₦48.056billion as of July 25, 2024 with the possibility of further raining the month’s takings in the remaining five working days of the month.
Customs Area Controller (CAC), Area 2 Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, made this known while briefing journalists on activities of the Command on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
He also disclosed that officers and men of the Command intercepted seven containers containing 1,054,400 bottles of different 100ml codeine cough syrup, 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 2,175,000 of 200mg Hyergra tablets and 1,300,000 of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets.
Babandede explained that the seizures, estimated at ₦11.200billion, represents a huge loss on the part of those involved in their smuggling and the fact of a jail term awaits any of them who will be arrested after further investigations.
He also pointed out that the seizures are in line with the Controller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s policy thrust of Collaboration and Consolidation, adding that the Command achieved the feat by acting swiftly on receipt of creditable intelligence on some 40 feet containers.
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The Area Controller revealed that the officers and men of the Command acted in collaboration with officers of Onne Port Chapter of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to identify, position and jointly examine the containers in the presence of other sister agencies.
“It is worrisome that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose. The Seized Cough Syrup Codeine and Tablets would be handed over formally to the NDLEA in due course for further investigation,” he said.
He recalled that on July 1, 2024, Adeniyi visited the Command to address journalists on recent significant developments in the operations of the Command aimed at securing the nation’s borders and ensuring public safety.
“Despite his warming, it is unfortunate that some saboteurs have continued to engage in the unpatriotic act of undermining the importation processes, guidelines and procedures.
“Notwithstanding, in the face of the challenging security situation in the country, the Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to step up its security functions in the area of policing our Sea Port in such a way that those who do not wish our nation well, will not have their way.
Restating the resolve of the Area 2 Command, Onne under his watch and as directed by the CGC, he maintained that his team will not tolerate any action capable of compromising the country’s economy and security, adding: “We are determined to increase our revenue profile, while working tirelessly to protect public health and safety.”
