The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, has intercepted 15 sacks containing 1,021 loaves of illicit substances, valued at N107 million.
The seizure took place along the Ajido waterways in the Yekeme Axis, where the contraband, weighing 538 kilograms, was found as smugglers attempted to offload it from their boat.
Magaji Mailafiya, the command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the seizure, stating, “The consignment was intercepted at the waterfront while the suspected smugglers had grounded their boat in an attempt to offload the illicit items onto land.”
He added that upon noticing Customs officers, the suspects abandoned the contraband and fled.
Despite the challenging environment, Mailafiya said, “The patrol team successfully secured the sacks, transferred them into our official patrol boats, and transported the contraband to the Western Marine Command Headquarters for further investigation.”
He further acknowledged the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team, noting that the resources provided have enhanced the command’s efforts in combating smuggling.
This support, according to Mailafiya, has empowered the unit to achieve significant success in securing the nation’s waterways.
“The command is committed to ensuring that smugglers have no safe haven on the nation’s waterways, creating a secure environment for legitimate trade,” Mailafiya said.
He also highlighted the command’s vigilance during the festive period, when smuggling activities tend to rise.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to protecting the nation’s waterways and ensuring a safe environment for lawful trade and activities,” he assured.
Recall on Wednesday, the Nigeria Customs Service, had announced the promotion of 1,419 junior officers.
The spokesperson of NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement.
The decision was ratified during the 10th Management meeting of the NCS by Comptroller General, Bashir Adeniyi.
“The comprehensive promotion list encompasses both General Duty and Support Staff who excelled in the 2024 promotion exercise.
“Specifically, 346 General Duty and 384 Support Staff officers were elevated from Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC) to Inspector of Customs (IC); 4 General Duty and 13 Support Staff officers advanced from Customs Assistant I (CAI) to Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC); 372 General Duty and 59 Support Staff officers moved up from Customs Assistant II (CAII) to Customs Assistant I (CAI); and 188 General Duty and 54 Support Staff officers were promoted from Customs Assistant III (CAIII) to Customs Assistant II (CAII).
“This strategic advancement underscores the transformative leadership of the NCS management team under the visionary stewardship of CGC Adeniyi.
“By prioritising career growth as a cornerstone of workforce motivation, his administration inspires a culture of excellence, empowering employees to achieve their full potential and driving the organisation toward unparalleled service delivery.
“In extending his heartfelt congratulations, the CGC urges the newly promoted men to redouble their efforts in fulfilling the Service’s core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and trade facilitation.
“Additionally, the promotion list for senior officers is currently being processed, pending approval by the Nigeria Customs Service Board,” the statement reads.
