At a point when the wanton killing of citizens by bestial non-state actors has become almost uncontrollable, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reveals how it adopts new strategies with which it arrested multi-billion Naira worth of smuggled firearms and ammunition that would have found their way into the hands of criminal elements
By Innocent Chukwu
At least, there has been a momentary setback in the camps of non-state actors in the country in the recent times, courtesy of the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) decision to adopt proactive measures, integrated and collaborative, as well as persuasive tactics in its security measures due to the current hardship that is ravaging a greater percentage of the population. The refined approach has been a huge success, according to Mr. Wale Adeniyi, the Service’s Comptroller General, as it helped the NCS to seize from smugglers various arms and ammunition which have an estimated Duty Paid Value(DPV) to the tune of N9.58 billion.
The NCS boss disclosed that the arms and ammunition were intercepted by the Enforcement officers of the Customs over a period of time spanning between 2018 and 2024. The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) said the seizure of the arms and ammunition by customs within the time under review, was made possible because of the resolve to lean more on persuasion than reactive stance and punishment, and deployment of soft power over hardline tactics especially in the past one year because of the economic realities that face the citizens.
At a media conference in Lagos on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Adeniyi also admitted that 60 percent of the smuggled arms and ammunition was seized in the past one year due to what he referred to as a recent surge in arms smuggling which accounted for 34.67 of the N9.58 billion DPV of the illicit items.
Smuggling activities are still on the increase, Adeniyi pointed out. The worrisome increase is not unconnected with the current economic hardship in the country. Thus, there is heightening illicit importation, in recent times, of arms and ammunition, narcotics, restricted pharmaceuticals, foreign parboiled rice, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), narcotics among others.
Customs statistics also revealed evolving tactics being deployed by die-hard smugglers in their efforts to evade arrest which are met by intensified efforts of customs operatives. In response to the recent escalation of smuggling, the NCS under its current management had declared a state of emergency against smuggling activities by the creation of some specialized units to contain the escalation. These units include the “Operation Whirlwind” and “Operation Swift Sting”. These enforcement units and others have been responsible for interception of various illicit imports that would have found their way into the local markets and wrong hands.
The Customs CG used the occasion to showcase numerous other seizures recorded by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Lagos, and those achieved by the Joint Border Patrol Team Operations, Sector 2 in the South West region. The FOU Zone A is led by Comptroller IK Oladeji, while the Joint Border Patrol Team is led by acting Comptroller MS Shuaibu.
Stressing the dangerous trend in wildlife smuggling in the recent times, the CGC hinted that on August 8, 2024, the NCS in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) carried out separate joint operations during which a total of 9,493kg of pangolin scales were intercepted. The Kano-Kaduna operation yielded a seizure of 2,293 tons of pangolin scales with the arrest of two suspects connected with the wildlife smuggling. In the Lagos operations there was an arrest of 7.2 tons of pangolin scales with another two suspects apprehended.
Another collaborative operation with the WJC in Kebbi State resulted in a seizure of 445.45kg of pangolin scales. During the Kebbi State outing, only one suspect was arrested in connection with the illicit item. The CGC said the recent pangolin scales seizures have resulted in a “total of 20 tons of pangolin scales intercepted by the NCS in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission since 2021, representing a loss of 30,000 pangolin species”. Adeniyi noted further that the pangolin scales seizure made in two separate locations this year represented the largest seizure of pangolin scales made globally since 2020.
The Customs CG also regretted, “Wildlife smuggling threatens biodiversity and tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation.
“Illegal trade in endangered species, especially pangolin scales, has placed Nigeria as a key transit point in global wildlife trafficking network.
“This illicit trade decimates our national heritage, fuels multinational criminal networks, undermines national security and economic stability.
“The embarrassment caused by these activities on the global stage is significant, potentially impacting our diplomatic relations and economic partnerships. It is important that we address this issue with utmost urgency and commitment”.
Another interesting ant-wildlife trafficking success recorded by the NCS, Adeniyi told newsmen, occurred at Onne Port in Rivers State in an international operation where a shipment of 1,500kg of elephant tusks moved from the Onne Port was intercepted at the Hai Phong Port in Vietnam. Three agents and sellers were also arrested in the process.
On pharmaceuticals smuggling, the NCS disclosed that on October 15, 2024, a 40ft container identified with number SUDU8579006 was arrested at a bonded terminal identified as Kachicare Resources Terminal after it was declared to be carrying kitchenware. But on examination of the container, it was discovered to be carrying 1,584 cartons of Barcadin Cough Syrup with Codeine with a total of 158,483 bottles of 100ml each.
Another two 40ft containers of illicit drugs were intercepted by the Service at the Apapa Port Customs Command on October 11, 2024. The two containers marked MRKU 0377493 and TGBU 8886020 contained 300 bottles of CSP Cough Syrup out of which 200 bottles were found to have expired. Between 2023 and August 2024, the NCS achieved 48 seizures of restricted pharmaceuticals and medicaments, as well as 119 shipments of narcotics and Indian hemp.
The FOU Zone A, at the media conference, also showcased a record seizure of 7,155 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice of which 3,235 bags were intercepted along Erekiti Waterside, Seme Border Road and Ogun State border areas respectively.
Led by the acting Comptroller Shuaibu, the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 intercepted over 2000 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each and thousands of litres of PMS and large quantities of Indian hemp and pangoline scales between September 12 and October 14, 2024 which were valued at N1.1 billion.
Speaking at the occasion of showcasing the seizures, the Customs boss said, “I am delighted to provide a comprehensive update on the enforcement activities of the Nigeria Customs Service, in our pursuit of ensuring the security, health and economic well-being of our great nation.
In the past year, Nigeria has faced unprecedented challenges in a bid to deliver the dividend democracy and good governance under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “The Nigeria Customs Service, in alignment with this administration’s progressive policies, adopted fresh approach towards fulfilling our mandate of balancing revenue collection, facilitating trade and ensuring compliance with the relevant laws. We have moved from a reactive stance to a proactive posture, from isolated efforts to integrated strategies, and from a purely enforcement-driven approach to one that balances compliance facilitation with robust security measures.
“Our new strategy is multifaceted, focusing on consolidating previous gains, fostering unprecedented collaboration with stakeholders, and integrating cutting-edge innovations into our operations. We are rewriting the playbook on revenue collection, trade facilitation, and regulatory compliance, all while strengthening our role as the vanguard against societal threats. This evolution aims to serve the best interests of Nigeria especially in these times of economic adjustment, where our citizens grapple with inflationary pressures triggered by efforts to manage exchange rate challenges.
“We now lean more towards persuasion than punishment, employing soft power over hard-line tactics. This strategy is necessary considering the current realities faced by Nigerians. However, I want to emphasize that our resolve to protect Nigeria’s borders and interests remains ironclad. We are more re-positioned than ever to adopt a more carrot-oriented approach in carrying out our operations, using soft power rather than a hardcore stick approach.
“The challenges we face are formidable and multifaceted. Unscrupulous elements seek to exploit our current economic situation, engaging in smuggling activities that threaten the very fabric of our society. From arms and ammunition to narcotics, from restricted pharmaceuticals to staple foods, and even to our precious fuel resources – the spectrum of illicit trade is vast and varied. What is even more disturbing is the fact that these activities have been linked to clusters of criminal networks that seek to cause harm to Nigerians”.
At the Ports and Terminals Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Command, operatives of the NCS recorded other seizures that have demoralized smugglers.
The PTML Customs, a core revenue generating command collected a total of N239,233,530,265.48 as revenue for the months of January to September 2024.
The Area Controller, Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan disclosed that the total collection for January to September 2024 is N53,448,500,240 higher than the N185,785,030,025.47 collected for January to September 2023, showing a 29 percent increase. On anti-smuggling, Comptroller Daniyan said the command made seizures worth a total duty paid value of N28,478,034.76. According to a statement issued by the command, the seizures include arms and ammunition comprising of two pistols, 260 rounds of ammunition, empty shells and cartridges of different types thereby preventing dangerous importation from entering the country.
The statement explained that the “showcasing of these live rounds of ammunition is to inform all users of PTML about the readiness of our officers to seize without compromise any items that is in contravention of the extant regulation due to command’s zero tolerance for such”.
In a similar development, the Apapa Port Command said it frustrated attempts by unscrupulous and criminal elements to smuggle illicit drugs worth one billion, one hundred and eighty three million, nine hundred and fifteen thousand, five hundred naira (N1,183,915,500.00) into the country in four units of 40ft containers.
The Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Usman Abubakar in a Press Release quoted the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu Ph.D as describing the development as a fallout of the Service’s zero tolerance for smuggling. The seizure came at a time when Olomu was given an award by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for his uncompromising stance against drugs trafficking.
On the offensive against the drug smuggling, Abubakar listed controlled medications which importation rules were violated, while also naming the terminals involved in the criminal distribution of the illicit substances to include APMT and Kachicares Bonded Terminal.
The statement reads: “Breakdown of the seizures shows they were 236,783 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and barkadin cough syrup packed in a total of 2,174 cartons from two terminals under the command. Three of the seizures were made in APM Terminals and one was made at Kachicares Bonded Terminal.”
Throwing more light on the customs offensives, Olomu said, “On 11th of October 2024, our officers during a joint examination of 1×40 container number MRKU0377493 found prohibited CSP cough syrup in 34,800 bottles. The offensive importation was also found to have expired. The smugglers packed them in 174 cartons with 200 bottles per carton.
“On the same day, during another examination in the same terminal, a 1×40 container TGBU8886020 was found to be laden with 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup packed in 100 bottles per carton. Another 1x40ft container NO TCKU6800526 dropped at APMT Container Terminal, said to contain Essential goods was examined on 15 October 2024, and after examination it was found to contain a concealment of 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup for throat and chesty with codeine 100ml packed in 200 bottles per carton
“At Kachicares Resources Terminal, 1X40FT container NO SUDU8579006 said to contain kitchen wares was examined on October 15, 2024 and found to contain concealment of Barcadin cough syrup for throat and chesty cough in 100ml. They were packed in 1,584 cartons. Another set of 83 loose bottles was also found in the container.”
Meanwhile, the NCS said it has developed a homegrown automated platform tagged B’Odogwu, a unified management system designed to enhance trade facilitation.
The Service has also adopted Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), Lagos to test run the pilot phase of the automation process.
While addressing newsmen at PTML Command on Wednesday, 23 October 2024, the CGC, Adeniyi, stated that the innovative platform represents a significant milestone in Nigeria Customs’ modernisation journey, aligning with global best practices.
Adeniyi said, “B’Odogwu is our new customs management system that embodies our vision for a paperless customs administration that facilitates seamless trade while maintaining robust security measures.” CGC Adeniyi declared.
“It is important to note that B’Odogwu will eventually replace the current Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) as the NCS Legacy System.
”The system has been developed with foresight, acknowledging that the National Single Window will be coming on board soon, and B’Odogwu will be integrated with it when implemented by the Federal Government”, he stated.
He acknowledged that the initiative is fully supported by the legal framework provided in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
“Specifically, sections 28 and 29 of the Act empower the Service to develop, maintain, and employ electronic systems while ensuring transparency and stakeholder consultation.”
The CGC urged stakeholders to embrace the change with optimism and provide constructive feedback that will help improve the system.
“As we commence this pilot, I urge all stakeholders to embrace this change with optimism and provide constructive feedback that will help us refine and improve the system, as your input is crucial to the success of this initiative.”
“B’Odogwu will enhance our ability to streamline end-to-end business processes, provide stakeholders with customised integration capabilities, support more efficient and intelligent business decisions, and facilitate ease of doing business.”
Adeniyi expressed gratitude to terminal operators, customs officers, licensed customs agents, and the Trade Modernisation Project team for their support and commitment to the project’s success.
He charged officers of the PTML command to take training associated with the initiative seriously as they will implement it in other commands.
“You will now play the role of pace setters in the Nigeria Customs Service. It is being sown here; we are going to nurture it to fruition here, and we want to assure you that it is going to work.”
The system’s development is a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Trade Modernisation Project team.
