BASHIR ADEWALE ADENIYI ‘MFR’, COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE
BY GODWIN OBI
In a whirlwind year of daring crackdowns and ingenious tactics, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, has emerged as a thorn in the side of smugglers, intercepting a staggering 707 contraband-laden operations valued at over ₦18.7 billion. This 12-month offensive has also raked in over ₦1 billion in additional revenue, a testament to their relentless pursuit of justice.
The commander of this anti-smuggling juggernaut, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, revealed the astonishing haul at a press briefing that could rival any crime thriller. From illicit drugs to frozen poultry, the year-long crackdown reads like a smuggler’s nightmare:
48,912 bags of foreign parboiled rice
191,975 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
7,861 kg of cannabis sativa
6,168 pieces of dried donkey skins
37,630 sachets of Tramadol
207 vehicles, some snatched back after dubious tax payments
1,433 bales of second-hand clothes
6,755 cartons of frozen poultry
And an eclectic assortment of other illicit goods.
The game-changing initiative, aptly named “Operation Swift Sting,” has become the bane of cross-border smugglers. Within just two weeks of its launch, this elite task force seized metric tons of contraband, including thousands of bags of rice and caches of illicit substances. “The smuggling cartels are feeling the heat,” Oladeji declared, a glint of triumph in his eyes.
In this epic battle against illicit trade, 94 suspects have been apprehended, with six individuals already convicted and behind bars. “We’re not just intercepting goods; we’re dismantling networks and sending a clear message to smugglers: their days are numbered,” Oladeji proclaimed.
Beyond the seizures, the unit’s meticulous inspection of import records uncovered underpaid duties, generating over ₦1 billion in additional revenue. These efforts are not just about enforcement but about strengthening the nation’s economy by ensuring every kobo is accounted for.
The smugglers’ strategies ranged from laughable to brilliant—concealed compartments, altered manifests, and even frozen goods hidden under layers of legitimate cargo. But armed with cutting-edge intelligence tools and a network of informants, FOU Zone A officers have remained one step ahead
Comptroller Oladeji expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the “unsung heroes” of the borders. “Your sacrifices, diligence, and unwavering commitment to protecting our nation do not go unnoticed. You are the vanguard of our economy, security, and health,” he said.
He also credited the success to Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose steadfast support has fortified the FOU’s mission.
Oladeji called on citizens to join the fight against smuggling, urging them to report suspicious activities and support efforts to keep harmful products out of the country. “Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous nation,” he concluded.
As 2024 winds down, one thing is clear: FOU Zone A’s spectacular seizures and unyielding resolve are reshaping the narrative of cross-border trade. Smugglers beware—the era of impunity is over.
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Pythrocin distributed by Pinnacle Health Pharmaceuticals Ltd
2024-12-23
