Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated N2,634,190, 645 and facilitated export of 143,468 metric tons via Seme/Krake border from January to May 2024.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Timi Bomodi, revealed this while addressing journalista on Tuesday.
According to the Seme Customs boss, the revenue collected in the period under review surpasses that of 2023 for the same period by 272%.
“The Command facilitated 143, 468 Metric Tonnes of export produce, with FOB value of N35, 199, 971. 097 only which is equivalent to $38, 461, 397.39. The NESS value paid is N174, 518, 464.82. A total of 406 SGDs were utilized from January to May 26 2024 for export alone,” Bomodi said.
Speaking on anti smuggling activities at the Command, he disclosed that the Command recorded 474 interception of various contraband items.
Comptroller Bomodi listed some seizures to include: Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) 12,448 Jerrycans x 30 liters each which is equivalent to eight (8) Tanker Loads; Rice: 6,467 Bags of 50kg, which is equivalent to 10 Trailer Loads; 15 used vehicles.
“149 packages of codeine and 1,251parcels of cannabis sativa was seized. We note that there has been a marked increase in the illegal importation of Cannabis from Ghana and different methods have been used by criminals in their effort to beat our officers all of which has been neutralized.”
“Wild animals were also part of the seizures which had 20 Live Parrots; 2 Honey badgers; 2 Pelican Birds and 404 Live tortoises. General Merchandise: 3, 023 items and 45 pieces of used tyers,” he said.
Meanwhile, he stated that the seizures had a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N840, 003, 646 and 18 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
“Eleven of the suspects were granted administrative bails, 3 were handed over to NDLEA for further agency action, One was handed over to the Nigerian Police, while 4 suspects are still in our custody. Also recently arrested is a notorious smuggler whose reign of terror in this area has come to an end and will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” Bomodi explained.
The Command has also set-up a complaint desk to address issues concerning the molestation of females on this corridor.
“We strongly frown at any act endangering the health and well-being of the vulnerable population of border stake-holders who go about their normal and legitimate businesses daily. Stringent action shall be taken against any officer of the any agency found guilty of molestation of any females on this corridor, ” Bomodi posited.
