The command made the revelation while Comptroller Bamidele Makinde of Idiroko Command briefed the press on activities on generation of revenue, suppression of smuggling, facilitation of trade and contribution towards the security of the Nation.

According to Comptroller Makinde, the command, during the period under review, recorded a seizure of 11,358 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each, which is about 38 Trailer loads.

Other seizures are three trucks loaded with 513 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice intercepted during anti-smuggling operations along Obada axis and Ibese/Itori road, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

“In addition to the above, the Command recorded seizures of 1550 pieces of used tyres and 180 bales of used clothing in a warehouse situated along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.

“Details of other seizures and their DPVs are; 227 seizures, comprising 16 units of Vehicles used as means of conveyance, 2 units of used vehicles (Tokumbo), 2,706 kegs (67,650 Litres) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 8 units of Motorcycle (Means of Conveyance), 80 kegs of Vegetable oil (25 liters each),  201 bales and 76 sacks of Secondhand clothing.

“Others are; 79 Sack of Used Shoes, 20 wraps of Cannabis Sativa (Book sizes), 89 bales of Textile (Wrapper), 17 Cartons of imported Tomato Paste (smuggled), five cartons of imported Spaghetti Pasta (smuggled), 80 Pieces of vegetable oil (4.73 Ltrs each).

“The seizures itemized have a total DPV of N341,116, 290.00. We were able to achieve this feat with the effective use of intelligence” he said.

The Area Controller warned that recalcitrant smugglers should note that the command, through shrewd, intensive and choking anti-smuggling activities, driven by effective employment of timeous intelligence, is all out for them.

“If I may paraphrase the proverb of one of Nigeria’s highly revered author, late Chinua Achebe, since men have learnt to shoot without missing their mark, eneke the bird will also learn to fly without perching on a twig.

“Let me use this opportunity to commend the section of the business community which has been complying with the Federal Government fiscal policies. We assure them of our continued support by way of trade facilitation.

“As for diehard and would be smugglers, we warn them to steer clear of smuggling activities as the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on any arrested perpetrator of such acts.” he said.

He added that the Command, through the instrumentally of social corporate responsibility, including sporting facility, has engaged, sensitized and educated the public on the socio-economic implications of smuggling as well as performed its statutory function of enforcing compliance in line with government fiscal policies.

He further appealed to parents and guardians to assist by prevailing on their wards to desist from smuggling activities and confrontation with, or attack on, security agencies.

“It is important to note that activities embarked upon by the Command are driven by patriotism for the economic development and security of the nation.

“Nigeria Customs Service operatives, mindful of the rules of engagement, will continue to carry out their legitimate duties as prescribed by law.

“It is also worthy of note that these achievements we continually record wouldn’t have been possible without the continued support of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and his management team, as well as the diligence and gallantry of our officers and men at their various duty posts.” he said.

Comptroller Makinde said the CGC’s support was invaluable and highly appreciated as he commended the contribution of the press towards the anti-smuggling campaign and other activities coordinated by NCS.

“We hope to continue partnering with you to achieve laudable national objectives within the purview of the service’s mandate.” he added.