The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), Sector 2, South West Zone, has intercepted contraband goods valued at N1.38 billion between July and August 2024. Deputy Comptroller of Customs and JBPT Coordinator, Mohammed Shuaibu, revealed this during a press briefing in Lagos.
Shuaibu detailed that the intercepted items include 4,019 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,633 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 868 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing, 790 bottles of Codeine syrup, 338 sacks of artificial resin, and 135 sacks of cannabis sativa. Additional seizures included used footwear, 77 sacks of ginger, 45 bags of Calcium Propionate E282 food additive, 21 bags of 25kg rice, 15 fairly used cars, five used cars, and 14 trucks.
Furthermore, the unit arrested 18 suspected trafficking victims along with two traffickers. The operation is part of a government initiative launched in 2019 to curb smuggling and safeguard national security.
Shuaibu highlighted the success of the JBPT, citing the interception of prohibited items, and increased revenue through additional payments, and auction sales. The team also prevented illegal migration, intercepting 125 persons denied entry into the country, 11 persons refused departure, and 18 cases of human trafficking, with two suspected trafficking agents handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation.
He noted that the sector had recovered N26.1 million in revenue through Debit Notes (DN) issued on underpaid goods and vehicles. Shuaibu emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a steady supply of PMS while tackling smugglers attempting to divert products to neighbouring countries.
In a stern warning to smugglers, Shuaibu said proactive measures would continue to be taken, in line with the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. He urged stakeholders such as traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups to discourage smuggling, which negatively affects the economy and national security.
