DC Shuaibu’s Leadership Yields Results: Ogun 1 Customs Command Seizes Cannabis, Rice, and Others

DC Shuaibu’s Leadership Yields Results: Ogun 1 Customs Command Seizes Cannabis, Rice, and Others

By Prince Benson Davies

In a bid to strengthen national security and economy, the Ogun 1 Customs Command has launched a fierce war against economic saboteurs and insecurity. The command, led by Area Controller DC Shuaibu, has recorded significant seizures, including 1,128 parcels of cannabis and 2,169 bags of rice.

In a press conference at the Command Headquarters in Idiroko, DC Mohammed Salisu emphasized his commitment to professionalism, integrity, and a renewed focus on curbing smuggling activities and economic sabotage. He attributed the Command’s successes to strategic intelligence gathering, surveillance, and collaboration with patriotic Nigerians, underscoring the support and leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

The seizures made within the past few days include:

• 2,169 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50 kg each.
• 1,128 parcels of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, weighing 1,109.3 kg.
• 21 bags and 2 sacks of used clothes.
• 166 pieces of pneumatic tires.
• 4,360 cartons of imported shoes.
• 250 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), each weighing 25 litres.
• 20 units of vehicles used for smuggling.
• 1 unit of foreign-used vehicle, a 2012 model Toyota Highlander.

These items were intercepted at key smuggling hotspots, including Idiroko, Ilaro, the Alamal-Rounda axis, the Obada Oko-Abeokuta axis, the Abule Kazeem-Abeokuta axis, and the Ijoun axis, among others. The Acting CAC emphasized the significance of the key seizures, such as:

Foreign Rice. The illegal importation of rice undermines Nigeria’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and disrupts local rice production. Smuggling of this staple is viewed as economic sabotage, and the Command remains steadfast in its resolve to bring perpetrators to justice.

Cannabis Sativa. The smuggling of cannabis poses severe risks to public health and safety, fueling criminal activities and jeopardizing community well-being. The Ogun I Command is working closely with other security agencies to eliminate this menace.

Used Clothes. The importation of used clothes is prohibited due to health hazards and its negative impact on the local textile industry, which has the potential to create jobs for millions of Nigerians.

DC Mohammed Salisu issued a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators, urging them to desist from illegal activities or face the full weight of the law. He assured the law-abiding public and legitimate traders in Ogun State that the Command’s operations are targeted exclusively at offenders and that legitimate trade would be encouraged to foster economic growth.

In his concluding remarks, the Acting CAC expressed gratitude to the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the management team for the opportunity to make him an Area Controller. He commended officers and men of the Ogun I Command for their dedication and resilience, urging them to remain vigilant and disciplined. He also called on the press to continue their critical role in educating the public on the dangers of smuggling and economic sabotage. In addition, he stated thus, “Together, we will safeguard our economy, protect our communities, and uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service,” while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to its mandate.