Customs FOU 'A' Intercepts twelve Trailer Loads of Foreign Parboiled Rice

...Arrests 14 suspects in connection with seizures worth ₦1.75bn DPV

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of the commitment and spirit of patriotism, Officers of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) made a commendable interception of approximately twelve trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice on the 6th of  October 2023.

The Command also apprehended fourteen suspects in connection with various seizures that worth a cumulative Duty Paid Value of One billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty- five Million, Eighty Thousand, Eight hundred and Ninety-Eight Naira (1,755,080,898).

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Command on Friday, October 6, 2023, to showcase the seizures made, Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, disclosed that about 7, 029 50Kg bags of foreign parboiled rice were seized by the officers at various times and locations within the border corridors of the South-Western States.

Ag.CGC Adewale said the decisive actions took place inorder to discourage potential traders from engaging in smuggling activities and to also inflict financial losses on active smugglers.

Beyond the parboiled rice seizures, the Unit yielded significant results in September, with the interception of various goods and these includes- 35,100 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS); 1,100 liters of diesel; 1 40-foot container carrying 360 bales of used clothes; 1 40-foot container containing 150 cartons of ladies' handbags, 50 bales of nickers, and other falsely declared items;1 20-foot container of unprocessed wood; 106 cartons of foreign frozen poultry; 55 pieces of used fridges; 110 pieces of used compressors; 148 cartons of foreign soap; 121 cartons of expired hair oil; 25 units of vehicles (Tokunbo). 

According to him, investigations into some of these seizures are ongoing and the arrested fourteen suspects have been apprehended in connection with various offenses, including violating import/export guidelines, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives.

On revenue generated last month, the Customs Chief disclosed that the Unit generated Seventy-two Million, Eight Hundred and Seven Thousand, Twenty-five Naira, Eleven Kobo (N72,807,025.11) in revenue through meticulous documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate customs duty.

Ag. CGC Adewale later enjoined importers and licensed agents to always make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their investments. "Compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic choice that ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods across our borders," he said.

The Ag. CGC further extended gratitude to all media for their role in disseminating Customs Service vital information to the general public, saying "I extend my gratitude for your attention and your role in disseminating this vital information. Together, as responsible stakeholders, we can safeguard our nation's economy and contribute to the welfare of our fellow citizens."

However, while on a tour with the Ag. CGC to intercept the seized containers at FOU warehouse today, it was discovered that a container with number MRKU 204776245G1 intercepted for contravening policy directives, was hidden at the extreme of the warehouse with the door sealed, preventing the Ag. CGC, management team and journalists from finding out what it conveyed. Curious about the development, Ag. CGC promised to unravel the misery behind the container.