The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria customs service has said between January and June, 2018, it made seizures valued at N48, 854,068.28 as against what was realised in 2017 within same period under review.
In January to June 2017, the total DPV of items seized, in a statement made available by Tangwa Emmanuel ,was N27, 323,635.04). Indicating an increase DPV of N21, 530,833.24.
The CAC, Compt. Sarkin kebbi, M.M in the statement, attributed the success so far achieved to new strategies implored by the command which are yielding desired goals.
He advised those still involved in the illegal business of smuggling to abandon or continue to face the crackdown by his officers and men on the water-ways and creeks.
The CAC restated that the laudable feet achieved so far was without daunting challenges in the area of logistics.
In his words, “We will not sit and say we don’t have working tools .I will use what is on ground and do the needful.”
Sarkin-Kebbi reaffirms his commitment in fighting smuggling to a standstill with the creation of “Operation Total Blockade”, “CAC HQ Surveillance Team” and “CAC HQ Anti-smuggling squad” operating on a 24hrs routine within the command’s area of jurisdiction.
He assured journalists and the general public who ask questions concerning the Sea-Going Vessels at Marina-Lagos that plans are in high gear for the complete handing over to customs the said vessels.
Sarkin Kebbi thanked the CGC and his Management team for working round the clock to see that these Sea-Going vessels are handed to customs and commissioned for use.
He also thanked the media who have stood by the command and reporting objectively on its activities.
He called on the general public to assist the command with inputs that will help in fighting these economic saboteurs who have tended to attacking innocent customs officers all over the country discharging their lawful duties.
“Recent pictures of gruesome attacks and inflicting customs officers with life threatening wounds is a call for concern.
Items seized include: Foreign parboiled rice, frozen turkey products, vegetable oil, premium motor spirits (PMS), St. Louis sugar, second hand clothing.