TheNewsGuru

Tag: Customs

  • Customs intercepts 202 motorcycles from suspected bandits in Katsina

    Customs intercepts 202 motorcycles from suspected bandits in Katsina

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) has intercepted 202 motorcycles from suspected bandits and their collaborators in Katsina State between August and September.

    The Acting Controller of the state command, Alhaji Chedi Wada, who disclosed this on Friday in Katsina, said that the motorcycles, mostly Boxers and Jencheng models, were confiscated around forests close to border areas.

    “We suspected that the motorcycles were used for conveyance of petrol, food items and smuggled items to bandits in the forest.

    “Most of the people we seized the machines from fled and no one came to claim the motorcycles,’’ the controller said.

    Wada said the command is working assiduously in ensuring that no contraband or illegal item is brought into the country through any of the borders in the state.

    “The fight against banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of crimes and criminal acts in the state and the country in general is a collective effort.

    “The custom service, like any other security agency, also has a stake in it.

    “Here in Katsina state, we are determined despite all odds; we will make sure we assist to bring the bandits and other criminals to their knees,” Chedi said.

  • Photo: Customs, NDLEA, DSS uncover, seize prohibited hard drugs concealed in imported machines at Apapa port

    Photo: Customs, NDLEA, DSS uncover, seize prohibited hard drugs concealed in imported machines at Apapa port

    Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Department of State Service have uncovered and seized cartons of Captagon Pills, a hard drug concealed inside the cylinder of an imported machine at the Apapa Port in Lagos State.

    According to a statement signed on Wednesday by the Customs Area Command Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Usman, the discovery was made through a joint operation that lasted for one week.

    This followed intelligence and painstaking dismantling of the machine by personnel and sniffer dogs, the statement explained.

    Security sources at the port also noted that the seizure is a fallout of a renewed synergy and cooperation aimed at curbing any form of port-related lawlessness.

    The heads of the three services insist that the operation will be sustained in the fight against all forms of smuggling and infractions.

    One suspect has been arrested in connection with the seizure while further examination and counting are ongoing.

    Preliminary findings have shown that long-term use of the drug leads to side effects extreme depression, lethargy, sleep deprivation (insomnia), occasional palpitation, heart and blood vessel toxicity and malnutrition.

    It has also been linked as one of the most common stimulants being taken by insurgents.

  • Reps summon Customs, AGF, others over Shippers’ Council revenue collection

    Reps summon Customs, AGF, others over Shippers’ Council revenue collection

    Emman Ovuakporie
    The House of Representatives Committee on Finance on Tuesday summonsed the Nigerian Customs Service, Accountant General of the Federation and Budget Office appear before it on Monday to explain issues over the collection and appropriation of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council 2% Ports Development Levy revenue.
    This was sequel to the complaint made by the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’Council, Hon Emmanuel Jime that the main source of the agency’s revenue which is the quaterly 2% of the the total 7% Ports Development Levy amounting to N3.5 million was collected by the Nigerian Customs and sent to the Account General’s Office.
    Jime made this disclosure at the ongoing 2022-2024 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF & FSP) Interactive Session with MDAS at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
    The former member of the House of Representatives while highlighting the major challenges his organisation was facing said: “there is also the extra challenge will have, the agency responsible for the collection of that particular 2% that is been given under the current arrangement is Customs.
    He explained thate the Customs after collection remit the revenue to the Office of the Accountant General, “it is Customs that determines what amounts to percentage of the Port Levy; So we’re not really involved”.
    Chairman of the Reps Committee on Finance, Hon James Faleke directed that the Agencies involved should be invited to clarify the issue.
    “ES, we have to come back on Monday on this issue. Customs will be here, budget Office will be here and the Accountant General Office to come – invite Accountant General Office on the issue of collection by Customs (Shipper’s Revenue)”, Faleke said.
    The former lawmaker narrated his ordeal that Shippers’ Council has been unable to access the 1% charge on export and import which is one of its statutory source of revenue since the agency was established in 1978 and sought lawmakers intervention on the matter even as he was going to take up the matter with the supervising Ministry of Transportation.
    “There is this statutory source of revenue, 1% charge on export and import. Since Shippers’ Council was established, that particular source of revenue has never been accessed and I’m taking it up with the supervising Ministry and it is also one area that I will ultimately be going to seek the support from the other side (lawmakers)”, he stated.
    Also, the Committee turned down representatives of Head of MDAs who failed to appear in person for the MTEF interaction sessions, insisting that as Chief Accounting Officers of their organizations they must be the ones to attend to issues raised on their projections.
    Faleke while sending back the Nigeria Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) among others, threatened that any Head of MDAs that failed to appear before it would be sanctioned while the agency would be deleted from government funding.
    Similarly, some agencies, including National Business and Technical Eduction, Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex who did not bring complete documents detailing their capital projects were asked to go and come back at a later date with the necessary details.
    Responding to the agencies complaints that the letter emanating from the Committee did not specifically requested for such details, Faleke said: “Each time we call for MTEF consideration, it is expected that we look back to what happened in the last three years before going forward. We don’t need to write this down in black and white because you should know you are coming to defend MTEF, the procedure is very straight. The only difference in this one is that we’re looking at capital. So it is a standard.
    “Ordinarily, MTEF documents are presented to the budget office by all the agencies from which they do their compilations and send to us and what they send to us include capital cost and revenue and what they want the National Assembly to do is to look at the document and approve before they are able to prepare budget.
    “For all other agencies we are saying that we are looking at all the projects as submitted that make up your capital projects the way you submitted it to budget office. The same you submitted you bring it to us”.
  • Gov Masari talks tough: I’ll no longer condone senseless killings by Customs operatives in Katsina

    Gov Masari talks tough: I’ll no longer condone senseless killings by Customs operatives in Katsina

    Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has condemned the recurring killings of innocent citizens through reckless driving by operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in the state.

    In a statement by Malam Abdu Labaran, Director General (DG), Media and Publicity to Masari and made available newsmen in Katsina on Friday, Masari said he would no longer condone such senseless killings.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the governor’s warning came in the wake of the recent death of eight people, who were crushed by operatives of the NCS driving recklessly in pursuit of suspected smugglers in Jibia Lacal Government, last Monday.

    Masari extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and those who sustained injuries, warning that the government would no longer fold its arms to watch law abiding citizens killed by government agents who are supposed to be protecting them.

    “The state government is considering legal action against the NCS to serve as a deterrent against future occurrence of the fatal incident” Masari said.

  • Customs intercepts pangolin scales, elephant tusks worth N22.3bn in Lagos

    Customs intercepts pangolin scales, elephant tusks worth N22.3bn in Lagos

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted pangolin scales and elephant tusks worth N22.3 billion in Lagos.

    The Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd.), said this while addressing newsmen on Wednesday.

    He said the pangolin scales (196 sacks) weighed 17,137.44 kilograms; elephant tusks, 870.44 kilograms and pangolin claws, 4.60 kilograms.

    Ali added that the seized items were evacuated at a location on eastern side of Ijeoma Street, Lekki, Lagos State, after proper examination.

    He pointed out that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the seizure.

    He said NCS’s extensive collaboration yielded credible intelligence that triggered swift and comprehensive actions by the Customs Intelligence Unit and Headquarters Strike Force.

    According to him, the seizure is in line with Section 63 “e” and “g” of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), Cap 45 LFN 2004 as amended.

    He added that it fell under Export prohibition schedule VI of the extant Common External Tariff, which prohibited their exportation.

    “Nigeria is a signatory to CITES convention, hence cannot be used as a transit hub. This feat is a testimony of what sincere collaboration between nations can achieve for our world, and individual nations in particular.

    “Already three suspects who are non-nationals have been arrested. They are: Mr Traore Djakonba, Mr Isiak Musa and Mr Mohammed Bereta.

    “The Kingpin, Mr Berete Morybinet, is on the run thinking he can evade the long arm of the law.

    “Security agencies at all entry and exit points are on red alert to track and arrest him to face justice. He is, therefore, advised in his interest to surrender himself to the NCS,” he said.

    The Customs boss said the suspects arrested would soon have their date in court, as NCS would leave no stone unturned to bring them to justice.

    He said the Service would extend the same treatment to any person or organisation remotely connected to any illegal wildlife trade.

    “While thanking our partners, especially the wildlife justice commission, let me give assurances of the Service’s determination to treat every information with utmost confidentiality and appropriate action to stem this tide of illegality.

    “Deforestation and depletion of wildlife, especially the endangered species, have been a global concern with nationals’ collaboration, sharing intelligence and expertise that would stamp out indiscriminate killings of endangered species.

    “In line with global best practices, NCS has been in robust collaboration with embassies of US, UK, Germany with other quarterly meetings that provide a platform for shared experiences,” he said.

  • 30 out of 65 verified private jets in Nigeria liable to pay duties to FG – Customs

    30 out of 65 verified private jets in Nigeria liable to pay duties to FG – Customs

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that 30 out of 65 private airplanes verified are liable to pay required duties to the Federal Government.

    This is according to the Customs Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah during an ongoing verification exercise on Monday in Abuja.

    Attah explained that some of these planes came into the country by the Temporary Importation Agreement which allows them to bring the jets without payment because it was secured by a bond.

    He said that thereafter many of them failed to turn up to pay on the expiration of the agreement which necessitated the verification.

    The Customs Service spokesman said the exercise would allow more revenue to accrue to the Federal Government because those who failed to adhere to the agreement would be made to pay the duties.

    He however said the verification has been extended for a further two weeks which will end on August 6, 2021.

    “Considering the rising number of compliance and the number of jets that are liable for payment of duties as well as indications by those people to do so, the Comptroller- General has again graciously given them another two weeks.

    “And also, it will ensure every collectible revenue is collected into the coffers of the Federal Government”.

  • Customs sends strong warning to operators of private airplanes

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says it will detain any defaulting privately owned airplanes at the expiration deadline of the July 7 , as part of the ongoing verification.

    The Customs’ Public Relations Officer, Mr Joseph Attah said this at a news conference to give update of the verification in Abuja on Monday.

    Recall that the service on May 31, announced its intention to carry out holistic audit of the importation of private airplanes operating in the Country.
    Attah explained that, as agency of government responsible for enforcement of laws governing imports and exports in Nigeria, NCS would not hesitate to invoke appropriate sanctions on any defaulting private airplanes.

    He said such action including detention of the airplanes would be taken immediately after the expiration of the verification period on Tuesday July 6.
    The spokesperson disclosed that with two weeks into the 30 days verification period, only six owners of private airplanes had responded to the invitation.

    He added that this was what necessitated the update and reminder to those who had not responded, to do so in other to avoid possible detention of their airplanes.

    “You will recall that the service on 31st may, 2021 made public its intention to carry out holistic audit of the importation of private aircrafts operating in the Country.

    “In addition to the Press Conference on the 31st May 2021, paid advertisement of invitation to private aircrafts owners for verification between 7th June to 6th July 2021 was published in Sun, Nation and Daily Trust News papers on 1st June, 2021.

    “Online platforms have also been active on publication of the notice in public interest.

    “The Service believes that owners of private aircrafts are highly placed individuals who would be willing to comply with extant laws of the land governing importation of the aircrafts they own, this includes payments of all appropriate duties and taxes.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, private aircrafts owners or their representatives are to report to room 305, Tariff and Trade Departments, Nigeria Customs Service’ headquarters. Abuja” he explained.

    He noted that the exercise which had commenced June 7, would end July 6 2021 adding that it starts from 10.00 a.m to 5.00 pm daily.

    He said owners or representatives of private airplanes sould come with documents such as Aircraft Certificate of Registration, NCAA’S Flight Operations Compliance Certificate (FOCC) and
    NCAA’S Maintenance Compliance Certificate (MCC).

    According to him, others are NCAA’S Permit for non- Commercial Flights (PNCF) and Temporary Import Permit (TIP) where applicable.

    Attah stated that the ongoing verification was to ensure all privately owned airplanes in the country were properly imported and cleared with all appropriate taxes paid.

  • Four killed in bloody clash between Customs officers, smugglers in Iseyin, Oyo State

    Four killed in bloody clash between Customs officers, smugglers in Iseyin, Oyo State

    It was a bloody Eid el-Fitr celebration on Thursday after operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in Iseyin, Oyo state, engaged suspected smugglers in a shootout during which four persons were reportedly killed and property destroyed.

    According to reports, the exchange of gun shots by the customs officials and suspected smugglers threw the rustic town of Iseyin into panic with residents, who were celebrating the Eid-el-fitr, fleeing to safety

    Mr Muftau Abilawon, the former Caretaker Chairman of Iseyin Local Government Council, confirmed the bloody incident on Thursday night.

    “I have been duly informed by a traditional Chief, the Ikolaba of Iseyin, Chief Ismail Tikalosoro, who called me and narrated the incident to me on phone.

    “He advised that I brief the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security about the matter, which I did immediately and he has promised to intervene.

    “ I understand that the four corpses were taken to the palace of the Aseyin of Iseyin, where the chiefs appealed for calm and asked the aggrieved residents to deposit the corpses at Fadoks hospital.

    “The chiefs also begged them not to set the Customs base in Iseyin ablaze, which they yielded to but it was too late for the Toyota Hilux van as it was on fire already before the appeal,’’ he said.

    Abilawon, who had resigned from office to participate in forthcoming council elections, appealed for calm and order in the ancient town.

    Efforts to get the Police Command’s spokesman in Oyo State and the NCS spokesman in the state proved futile as calls and messages put to their phones were not picked not replied.

  • Customs intercepts cannabis sativa with DPV of N694m [Photo]

    Customs intercepts cannabis sativa with DPV of N694m [Photo]

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command (WMC), has intercepted cannabis sativa with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N694, 575, 000.

    The NCS has also handed the banned substance to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    Comptroller Olugboyega Peters of the WMC said at a news conference on Friday in Lagos that the command also intercepted other items such as rice and bales of clothing with a DPV of N687, 446 000, in the first quarter of 2021.

    According to him, in 2020, the command seized over 10 tonnes of cannabis sativa (marijuana) valued at over a billion naira.

    “Here we are today showcasing another feat of arrest of marijuana by officers and men of the command.

    “On March 27, our operatives of Coastal and Harbour Patrol (Bar-Beach), on credible intelligence along Ibeche Beach on the high sea, accosted, intercepted and arrested two wooden boats laden with sacks suspected to contain marijuana (HS Code 0602.90 of Common External Tariff (CET).

    “This is together with six suspects, as empowered by Customs and Excise Management Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as amended.

    “The goods together with the suspects were brought to WMC.

    “Upon physical counting, it was found to be 147 sacks of marijuana with an average of 45kg per sack, giving an estimated total of 6,615kg with a DPV of N694, 575, 000.

    Peters said that WMC had collaboration with the NDLEA, adding that NCS handed over the marijuana and the suspects to NDLEA in the interest of national security.

    He said that the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) headed by Miss Siji Song had on March 16, in fulfillment of its promise of installing Teleconferencing CISCO WEBEX equipment, handed over the equipment to the command.

    He said that the equipment would aid operations of the command and assist security agencies in fighting piracy in the maritime industry.

    “The equipment will be fully installed when all the enabling tools are put in place by the service,” he said.

    Peters said that making the society free of drugs abuse was a collective one, urging that all hands should be on deck to achieve the aim.

    “You can imagine the havoc the marijuana of this magnitude could have caused in our society if this seizure has not been made.

    “Let me warn unscrupulous elements to desist from smuggling and look for a legitimate means of livelihood.

    “Operatives of WMC are always combat-ready to bring smuggling to its barest minimum.

    “No amount of distraction will deter us from enforcing Federal Government’s fiscal policies; we will remain resolute no matter whose ox is gored.

    “I urge the NDLEA to invite us during the destruction of this marijuana and a copy of certificate of destruction issued to the NCS for record keeping,” he said.

    Mr Samuel Gazama, Commander, NDLEA, Apapa Special Command, Lagos, said that the cannabis intercepted was the type being cultivated in Ghana which, he said, was more potent than the one grown in Nigeria.

    He said that the seizure saved Nigeria and its image.

    “We want the media to help to sensitive the public on the dangers of what we are trying to stop in our society.

    “On behalf of the Chairman of the NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, we thank the WMC and the controller-general of customs for the new leaf of synergy and cooperation that is really coming up between customs and NDLEA.

    “Even if we do not have the suspects, the fact that NCS was able to stop this from going into the society, is a big achievement, and I say thumbs up to you and your men.

  • Obaseki charges Customs to stop intimidating people in Edo

    Obaseki charges Customs to stop intimidating people in Edo

    Edo’s Gov. Godwin Obaseki on Monday in Benin charged men of the Nigerian Customs Service to stop intimidating and extorting people in the state.

    He gave the charge when the Customs Area Controller in Edo and Delta, Ahmed Usman, paid him a courtesy visit.

    In Usman’s company was the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Edo, Mr George Edem.

    “We know your men (Customs) have been working hard; we see the checkpoints, but in some cases there have been excesses and intimidation.

    “We’d like you to appeal to your men not to intimidate or extort innocent people and traders while carrying out their duties.

    “Edo is a business hub where people must pass through and our role as government is to create an enabling environment so that people are neither scared nor afraid to come here to conduct their businesses.

    “Let your men know that while they are doing their work they should respect the rights of citizens and more importantly they should not intimidate the people,’’ he told Usman.

    “I thank the Customs for the role it played during the last #EndSARS crisis.

    “I know about the attack on your warehouse and what it took to make sure there was no loss of lives,’’ Obaseki added.

    Obaseki also appealed to the NSCDC to help to train the state’s agro rangers and forest guards as well as vigilantes to protect the state’s forests reserve from illegal loggers.

    “I know members of the NSCDC also did well in helping to respond to the #EndSARS incident. We see ourselves as part of the federation; we want to support the work of the Federal Government.

    “We wish we are not facing the kind of economic challenges that we are facing now so that we could have been able to do more for you here, unfortunately the situation is same everywhere.

    “The reason why you are here is because you are not getting enough support from your employers, but you have to do your work.

    “That is why you found it necessary to come here to see us, so, it’s a general challenge and it’s affecting all of us.

    “It is forcing everybody to look for alternative and more creative ways to carry on their responsibilities.

    Earlier, Edem appealed to the governor for operational vehicles to help the NSCDC to discharge its duties optimally.

    In his remarks, Usman commended the governor for doing tremendous work on the Gele Port in Edo.