By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Hussein Ejibunu, National Coordinator, ‘Operation Whirlwind’, a special task force of the Nigeria Customs Service on overcoming the menace of petroleum products smuggling, Tuesday, showcased what he described as the largest single seizure of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kebbi State since the operation was berthed.

Speaking at Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State capital, Ejibunu who is also in charge of Financial Administration and Special Duties at the Customs Headquarters said the smuggling of PMS poses a serious threat to the Nigerian economy as it leads to revenue losses, distortion of trade statistics, artificial scarcity, and threats to national security.

The massive seizure, he announced, marks a significant milestone in the efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to protect Nigeria’s critical resources.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in tackling smuggling activities that undermine government policies and economic stability,” ACG Ejibunu stated.

Items seized include 766 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS conveyed in a Truck Plate number DC 7184 RB (Nigeria Plate Number) and 1,454 25-litre jerrycans and 18 200-litre drums of PMS loaded in a Truck number AT 2457 RUP (Republic of Benin plate.

According to him, Truck number BV C240 Arubi—Republic of Benin plate number carrying 1,350 jerrycans, each 25 litres, and 18 drums, each 200 litres of PMS was also confiscated.

Additionally, 805 kegs of 25 litres of PMS seized at various flashpoints in the zone including Dole Kaina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, Lolo, and Tsamiya were also displayed.

The interception, which resulted from credible intelligence, occurred in the Tsamiya area of Kebbi State following days of painstaking surveillance.

Ejibunu who restated the determination of the NCS to sustain the fight against fuel smuggling said the Service is ever prepared to strengthen inter-agency collaboration so as to secure Nigeria’s borders.

Kegs of confiscated PMS.

The seized PMS was sold at a controlled price of N10,000 per 25-litre jerrican to ensure that citizens rather than the smugglers themselves benefit.

Chidi Nwokorie, CAC, Kebbi Command.

Addressing the press, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Kebbi Command, reiterated his commitment to combat smuggling and other illicit trade activities in Kebbi State. He assured stakeholders of the Command’s determination to enforce trade regulations.

“We remain committed to facilitating trade and ensuring a seamless business environment for legitimate traders. For smugglers, our operations will only intensify to bring smuggling to its lowest possible level,” he pledged.

While recognizing how effective intelligence-driven operations can be, CAC Nwokorie commended the efforts of Customs officers in executing successful enforcement operations.

He also acknowledged the collaboration with sister agencies, highlighting their critical role in ongoing anti-smuggling initiatives.

“This success is a testament to the dedication and synergy between Customs and other security agencies. We will continue to work together to protect the nation’s economy,” Nwokorie added.

On his way back from Kebbi, ACG Ejibunu visited the Sokoto Customs Area Command, where he met with the Customs Area Controller, Sokoto-Zamfara Command, Comptroller Umar Abdulkadir and officers and men of the Service.

He used the opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the Service to border security and the fight against smuggling.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

The Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have been commended for striving to improve the living standard and safety of Nigerians, especially those residing in riverine areas and using inland waterways as a means of transportation. This is a bold effort by the authorities to address incidences of boat mishaps and loss of lives and properties.

Dr Kevin Okonna, Acting Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), gave the commendation at Oron Beach, Akwa Ibom State, Monday, during the inland waterways safety sensitization and awareness workshop organized by the nautical college in collaboration with NIWA for boat operators and inland waterways commuters.

Okonna who explained that the training workshop on waterways safety sensitization is designed to improve the general awareness of operators and citizens alike regarding compliance to safety measures during navigation urged participants especially boat operators and waterways commuters to always obey safety rules and guidelines. This, he emphasized, is the only way to support government in her efforts to ensure an efficient, safe and attractive inland waterways transportation system. On behalf of MAN, Oron, Dr Okonna donated 25 safety jackets and pledged to keep supporting waterways safety as much as the school’s corporate social responsibility can accommodate.

The Ag. Rector, MAN, Oron, Dr Kevin Okonna (middle) with representatives of the Marine and Blue Economy Minister and the MD of NIWA

He told participants that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of HE Adegboyega Oyetola, is committed to implementing the priority projects of Mr. President to make better the lives of Nigerians particularly the people that operate boats and use boats for transportation on the inland waterways. Mr. President, he stated, requires that all Ministries and their agencies should hold stakeholders/citizens’ engagement to inform the citizens of government programmes to serve them better and also receive feedback on their experiences and expectations from the Government.

“This workshop is therefore organised by the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in line with Mr. President’s directive and as part of the programme of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure safety on our inland Waterways.”

The Rector noted that compliance with waterways operational rules is never a waste as it reduces the tendency of avoidable loss of lives and properties.

“As you may be aware, in the recent past, so many Nigerians have lost their lives and properties on our inland waterways, including the popular Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, due to ignorance and possible non-adherence to safety practices as required by the NIWA and contained in approved guidelines for safety on Nigeria’s waterways.“

“This is why the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the NIWA are embarking on nationwide Inland Waterways Safety Awareness Campaign. The Campaign has already been taken to several jetties in Nigeria to sensitize citizens on Government laws/guidelines and necessary safe practices to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s inland waterways transportation system and also donate approved lifejackets to promote the safety practices.”

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

In demonstration of the ability to make a mark in anti-smuggling operations despite the challenges of border closure, the Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in one month, generated N13.37m in revenue while confiscating contrabands valued at N84.2m.

The feat was achieved through intelligence-sharing, strengthened collaboration with sister agencies and increased field operations.

The newly-appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC), Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, stated this,Thursday, during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Comptroller Nwokorie who commended the officers and stakeholders for their dedication and cooperation in achieving the outstanding feat expressed gratitude to God and the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Kebbi Command.

The intercepted contrabands include 145 bales of used second-hand clothing, 13,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 114 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) and 20 cartons of new light cigarette. Others are 70 cartons of expired Biggy Vanilla Wafer Biscuits, 27 cartons of expired Sunwatt (AA) dry battery and 40 bags of foreign sugar (50kg each).
The total duty paid value (DPV) of the seized items, he stated, sums up to N84,219,654.

CAC Nwokorie revealed that the Command confiscated 13,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N5,500,000.
The seized fuel, he explained, would be auctioned to the public and the proceeds remitted into the Federation Account.

Nwokorie recalled that when he took over headship of the Command from retired Comptroller Ojike 42 days ago, he made a firm commitment to enhance revenue generation and collection, facilitate legitimate trade, and tackle smuggling aggressively but reasonably.

“Today marks the beginning of the fulfilment of that commitment and pledge.”

Despite the closure of the Tsamiya/Sebgana border which left Kamba as the only authorized and official border, the Command was able to generate a total of N13,378,002 within one month.

Comptroller Nwokorie credited this achievement to strengthened collaboration with the Nigerien Customs Authority and other stakeholders.

He told those involved in legitimate business not to entertain fears as they have a friend and supporter in the CGC.

“He (the CGC) has charged us to do all we can, without compromising existing laws, to support and facilitate every legitimate trade.”

Smuggling, he remarked, cannot be entirely eradicated especially due to the peculiar nature of the borders. However, through collaboration with the NDLEA, NAFDAC, NPF, NSA, NIS, DSS, NA, and other agencies, the NCS is working to reduce it to the barest minimum, he affirmed.

Comptroller Nwokorie disclosed that to foster strong relationships and improve intelligence-sharing, he and his management team have visited sister agencies in Kebbi State to reinforce operational synergy and enhance mutual support.

“I have also toured the border stations, starting from Kamba to Doleikaina, Bagudo, Maje, and Lolo, to inspect operational areas and assess the challenges faced by our officers,” Nwokorie said.

Comptroller Nwokorie explained that the Command would, in line with the CGC’s mandate, continue to implement strategic measures to enhance revenue generation, facilitate legitimate trade and curb smuggling.

“We are here to change the narrative. We will leave no stone unturned as we strengthen the Command’s operations, improve on identified gaps, and ensure that the right strategies are in place,” he declared.

“This is my mission and my bond – to heighten our revenue generation, support legitimate trade, strengthen our partnerships with sister agencies and combat smuggling. I shall not fail the CGC, the Service, or the nation,” he vowed.