Customs Vow to Improve Detection Mechanisms for Ingenious Concealment

Eromosele Abiodun

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FoU), Zone ‘A,’ Ikeja  has stated that it would improve its detection strategy with the aid of intelligence to checkmate ingenious concealment deployed by smugglers to evade custom duties.

The acting Controller of the unit, Hussein Ejibunu, at a press briefing on the interception of a vehicle with an ingenious concealment of foreign parboiled rice said the Zone would up its ante to stem the activities of smugglers who indulge in nefarious activities to smuggle contraband goods into the country.

According to him, ingenious concealment is an activity that plays a significant role in smuggling operations and allows smugglers to hide illicit goods from detection by concerned authorities. 

He reiterated that smuggling is illegal and a crime that has negative social, economic, and security implications. 

“It is our resolve to continuously work hard to improve detection methods with the aid of intelligence. The strategic deployment of officers with intelligence-driven in anti-smuggling operations led to the arrest of a Toyota Highlander with an ingenious concealment of suspected bags of foreign parboiled rice at Iju-Ojuore, Ogun State,” he said.

On revenue, Ejibunu said the sum of N71,254,984.71 was generated through conscious and thorough documentary checks, followed by the issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate Customs duty. 

He pointed out that the seizures reflect its commitment to the discharge of its functions aimed at protecting the nation’s economy and preventing the importation of prohibited and harmful products from entering its domestic markets. 

He highlighted that the total duty paid value of the seized goods stood at N872,575,250. While a total of 11 suspects were arrested in connection with some of the suspects.