The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted a total of 22,526 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each and confiscated 392 items, which included five luxurious buses, that were smuggled into the country through the Ohumbe land border between January and June 2023.
Bamidele Makinde, the Customs Area Controller, stated that the cumulative value of the seized items amounted to N1,313,628,488. Additionally, seven individuals suspected of engaging in smuggling activities were apprehended during the reviewed period.
Makinde further revealed that the intercepted rice bags were found in various border areas such as Ipokia, Ilara, and Imeko in the state. The overall seizures encompassed 5,048 used tires, 390 bales of used clothing, 61 vehicles (including five luxury buses), 173,975 liters of petrol (equivalent to five tanker loads), 107 sacks, and 1,595 wraps of cannabis sativa. Furthermore, 167 cartons of 100x100ml and 27 cartons of 200x100ml codeine syrup were also confiscated.
The command generated a total revenue of N93,301,130 from import duties, auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit, and the sale of scrapped vehicles seized from smugglers. A comparative analysis of the command’s performance during the reviewed period and the corresponding period in 2022 indicated a significant increase in revenue.
Makinde emphasized the command’s unwavering commitment to combatting the smuggling of rice and other prohibited items, thereby supporting the government’s policy on local production and encouraging domestic manufacturing.
