Seme Border Area Command of Customs tightens the noose on smugglers and their nefarious activities leading to the interception of various smuggled items worth millions of naira, as well as collecting huge revenue into the Federation account
The Seme Border Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service cracked down on illicit activities of smugglers along that route, with the interception of contrabands worth several millions of naira.
According to Comptroller Timi Bomodi, the Area Controller of the Seme Border Area Command who detailed the commendable efforts of his officers in curbing illegal activities at the border from January 2024 to date, the command also generated high revenue within the time under review.
While addressing the media in a press briefing at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post recently, Bomodi also spoke on the country’s challenges with illegal grain export amid food shortages.
The CAC, Bomodi, said there was the interception by his command, of N61.45 million worth bags of beans on the verge of being exported illegally at an exit point. He emphasized government’s commitment to prioritizing citizens’ needs, especially in this time of hardship in the country. He revealed plans to sell the seized goods at discounted prices to address the ongoing food crisis as soon as permission was granted from the headquarters.
“We need to ensure that what is being produced locally stays within the country before we export and new Customs act says grains can’t be moved out of the country and when it’s done there is a procedure which includes NXP, CCI among others and when that is not done, any attempt to do it illegally will face the wrath of the law,” he said.
Despite facing challenges posed by a decline in imports due to the high exchange rate, the Seme Customs Command dutifully collected over N1.16 billion in the first two months of 2024. This represented 88 per cent of the command’s revenue target for January and February 2024.
Comptroller Bomodi stressed that the ambitious revenue target set for his command this year, will spur him and his officers to put in their best in order to hit the target. Hence, he revealed that the Command aims to collect N7.875 billion, marking a significant increase from the previous year. He provided a breakdown of their monthly collections, posting the sums of N643,038,611.16 in January and N517,950,286.14 in February.
Speaking further, Comptroller Bomodi said, “This also translates to a monthly collectible revenue of N656.258 million. In January 2024, the Command collected ₦643,038 million while in February, we collected ₦517,950 million, making a total of ₦1.160 billion.
“This is about 88 per cent of the total expected revenue. The shortfall in expected collections can be attributed to the total aggregate decline in imports occasioned by the high exchange rate,” he said.
In addition to revenue collection, the Customs Command highlighted its efforts in processing export declarations, intervening in illegal activities, and making significant seizures.
Bomodi also mentioned that the command intercepted 400×30 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) equivalent of 12,000 liters, with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N8,347,680.
Comptroller Bomodi further disclosed the arrest of a suspect attempting to reclaim confiscated items by coming to bid for the said items.
Various smuggling techniques were exposed by officers of the command, including the use of underage individuals in school uniforms, as unsuspecting carriers of cannabis sativa.
Bomodi said his officers demonstrated resilience, while adopting strategies to counter various tactics deployed by traffickers and smugglers.
Comptroller Bomodi said there was interception of Cannabis Sativa, pharmaceutical products, and controlled items like expired veterinary products.
The Command recorded seizures foreign parboiled rice, vehicles, general merchandise, cannabis sativa, narcotics, codeine, and locally manufactured guns, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N365,888,696.
He said that a total of thirteen suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, and they have been handed over to relevant authorities for further action. He also said that six of the suspects were granted administrative bail, while three were handed over to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action. One was handed over to the Nigeria Police, while three suspects are still in our custody.
“At this point, it is important to highlight the importance of the Joint Security Meetings held regularly here at the Joint Border Post. These meetings provide valuable intelligence and opportunities to cross-fertilize ideas about Border management.
“We note that collaboration holds the key to success in border management, that is why we’ve insisted on information sharing among sister agencies,” Bomodi stated.
