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Tag: Customs

  • Bandits kill customs officer, nine others in Katsina

    Bandits kill customs officer, nine others in Katsina

    The Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has been thrown into mourning following the murder of one its officers by bandits at one of its checkpoints at Dan Arau village along the Katsina/Jibiya Highway.

    Garba Nasiru, who was an Assistant Superintendent of Customs, was killed on Friday afternoon.

    It was learnt that security operatives engaged the bandits in a gun duel before his corpse could be retrieved from them.

    Reports from sources within the division disclosed that the late officer had since been buried according to Islamic rites.

    The Spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, Gambo Isah, however, confirmed the incident but did not give details.

    He said, “Yes, the incident was true. Bandits killed a customs officer at the Dan Arau village checkpoint but approach the customs for details.”

    In a similar incident, bandits, also on Friday evening, killed nine villagers at Tsauwa village in the Batsari Local Government Area of the state.

    It was learnt that the bandits had invaded the village and stolen a motorcycle, among other items.

    The bandits killed nine villagers in the attack before retreating to the forest following the arrival of the police at the village.

    Isah also confirmed the incident, while assuring the public of the command’s determination to rid the state of criminal elements.

  • Customs generates N976.6bn revenue in 8 months

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has so far generated N976.6 billion revenue from January to August for the country.

    The document obtained from the service through its Public Relations Office by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday indicated that the sum was realised from import duties and excise duties, among others.

    The statistics showed that the NCS generated its highest revenue from import duty followed by the one gotten from the service’s Value Added Tax (VAT).

    From the document, NCS realised N471.7 billion from import duty trailed by the N216.4 billion generated from the Customs’ VAT.

    According to the statistics, the sum of N120.4 billion is generated from Non-Federation Accounts levies, while N84.3 billion is gotten from Federation Accounts levies.

    The document also showed that the sum of N76.9 billion was generated from excise duty and N6.6 billion was received from fees.

    Recall that the sum of N1.3 trillion was generated as revenue in 2019 by the NCS.

    Speaking on this development, Mr Promise Amahah, an economic expert commended Customs for generating such amount in spite the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted negatively on the economy.

    Amahah said with what the NCS had generated in eight months, it would catch up or even surpass the N1.3 trillion revenue for 2019.

    The Comptroller-General of NCS, retired Col. Hameed Ali had assured the country of generating substantial revenue in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Ali was speaking while commending his officers and men for their resilience and commitment to duty during the challenging period of coronavirus.

    “Nigeria and indeed the world have been challenged with COVID-19, but we are still doing our best, there is no cause for alarm in terms of revenue generation,” Ali said.

  • Defence headquarters vows to prevent Boko Haram attacks in FCT as customs raises alarm

    Defence headquarters vows to prevent Boko Haram attacks in FCT as customs raises alarm

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says it is working to prevent the planned Bokon Haram attacks which the Nigeria Customs Service alerted Nigerians of.

    DHQ spokesman, John Enenche, said the nation’s armed forces have been placed on red alert to combat any crime.

    In an internal memo, customs had said Boko Haram insurgents were planning to carry out attacks in some locations across the federal capital territory (FCT), and in Kogi and Nasarawa states.

    But in a statement on Sunday, Enenche said “preventive and preemptive intelligence” are ongoing to forestall such attacks.

    He said: “The Defence Headquarters wish to reassure residents of FCT and other adjoining States that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have been on red alert to combat crime and ensure effective surveillance of the Federal Capital Territory and other States of the country.

    “This is imperative sequel to a purported memorandum from the Nigeria Customs Service warning its staff on a possible attack on the FCT.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria working together with other security and response agencies particularly the core intelligence agencies hereby assure the general public that preventive and preemptive intelligence are ongoing. The general public is thus advised to go about their lawful businesses undeterred.

    “Furthermore, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies wish to assure the general public that the offensives against the common enemies of this Nation will not cease until normalcy is restored in all parts of the country.”

    He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity accordingly.

  • FEC approves N13bn for automation of four airports, $3.1bn for Customs

    FEC approves N13bn for automation of four airports, $3.1bn for Customs

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved N13 billion for the automation of safety equipment at Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt international airports.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the virtual meeting of the Council presided by President Muhammadu Buhari, also approved 3.1 billion dollars for the automation of the operations of the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS).

    The Ministers of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika and Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, made this known to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting in Abuja.

    Sirika expressed optimism that the safe tower projects, when completed, would increase efficiency and reduce the workload of air controllers in the affected airports.

    He said: “Today, Civil Aviation submitted a memorandum to council which was consequently approved.

    “The memo is to upgrade and refurbish the safe tower equipment in four airports, Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

    “This is just to increase the efficiency of the airports and reduce the workload in the control tower and to automate what was hitherto analogue system to digital.

    “Quick example is all of the data we collect at the end of the runways within the airports will now be displayed instantly on our platform in the control tower.

    “Information regarding weather, regarding all of the components of weather, winds, rain, macro burst etc will be displayed automatically.

    “So, the issue of giving out weather reports every hourly will change to give you an instant weather which will improve the pilot efficiency and the workload on controller is reduced and it can handle more flights into the airport.

    “The total contract sum is N13.122, 230, 999.17.’’

    He further explained that the payment of the contract sum would be in two parts.

    “First component which is a foreign component is €28,489,565 million while the naira component is N3.491,504,488.31.

    “Of course, there will be 7.5 per cent added VAT. It will be for completion period of 12 months.’’

    On her part, Ahmed, said the approval for the e-Custom modernization project followed a memo she presented to the Council.

    She said: “The purpose of the memo we presented to Council was for a project that will enable the complete automation of the Nigeria Custom Service processes and procedures using the application and information and technology technology in all aspects of Customs administration.’

    According to the minister, the main objective is to completely automate every aspect of the customs business and institutionalize the use of smart and emerging technologies to enhance the statutory function of the NCS in the area of revenue generation.

    She revealed that the project would be financed through Public Private Partnership (PPP) under a concessionary period of 20 years.

    “So, Council today ratified Mr President’s approval for the PPP concession for a 20-year period to Messers E-Customs HC Project Limited as a concessionaire for the delivery of customs modernization project.

    “This is a project that will not have an immediate cost to the government, the investors are providing all of the financing and this revenue will be deployed in three phases and they will look over the investment in the concessionary period of 20 years.

    “The key point is that it is not costing the federal government one thing, the 3.1 billion dollars being proposed will be sourced by the sponsors and the partners,’’ she said.

  • BREAKING: Customs, EFCC arrest two Lebanese smuggling $890,000 out of Nigeria

    BREAKING: Customs, EFCC arrest two Lebanese smuggling $890,000 out of Nigeria

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced the investigation of two Lebanese, Dina Jihad Khali and Chamseddine Waell Mohammed.

    They were arrested on Wednesday by officers of the Customs Area Command, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Khali and Mohammed were attempting to smuggle a total sum of $890,000 out of Nigeria through the Port Harcourt International Airport.

    The suspects have been handed over to the Zonal office of the EFCC.

    Mohammed Olayinka, Customs Area Controller, disclosed that Khali with Passport Number LR152975 (Republic of Lebanon) was arrested with $670,000.

    Mohammed with Passport Number LR0356598 (Republic of Lebanon) had $220,000.

    They were both arrested while trying to board a flight to Lebanon.

    Olayinka said the suspects failed to declare to Customs.

    The money has been lodged at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Rivers State for safekeeping.

    Principal Detective Superintendent Macaulay Olayinka, who received the suspects, thanked the Customs for their vigilance and the synergy with the EFCC.

    The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

  • Editor cries to Sanwo-Olu over Customs boss, Omonile take over of land

    Editor cries to Sanwo-Olu over Customs boss, Omonile take over of land

    …says one Agabi a stripped chief is behind his ordeal

    …begs Lagos AG to intervene to save his property from land grabbers

    …warns that if nothing is done now, this could lead to breakdown of law

    The Publisher and Editor-In-Chief of South South International magazine and former President of the League of Maritime Editors and Publishers as well as former Publicity Secretary of Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, Ovie Edomi has cried to the Governor of Lagos State and his Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice over the activities of land grabbers in Ibereko, Lagos.

    In an official letter to Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Attorney general of Lagos, the Lagos based Journalist and publisher explained how the land he has paid in installments for between 2016 and 2018 to the Kelani family, a prominent family with vast land in Ibereko was transpassed upon by an Assistant Customs Comptroller, Mr Lucky Udukhomose, serving in Tin Can port, Apapa along with his wife, Pastor Mrs Favour Udukhomose who connived with Omonile to buy the same land from one self acclaimed Chief Ogabi who has been stripped of his chieftaincy title by the Oba of Ibereko and who claimed to be related to the Kelani family in order to expand Sapphire Gold Group of Schools, a private school built by the Assistant Customs Comptroller for his wife beside the Editor’s mini estate.

    According to Edomi, the Lagos State law on land Grabbing has made Lagos State very peaceful for its’ inhabitants and wondered why a serving Customs officer, who knows the law and should be seen obeying the law be the one to connive with unscrupulous element with a view to promoting his business interest when the Customs boss knows for a fact that the Journalist who had plantains planted on the land and has been harvesting the plantains for upward of 2years owes the land.

    Edomi further warned that any attempt to engage in land Grabbing, indiscriminate construction of private schools especially those that are constructed to block government approved streets and made the street a close without government approval would someday led to breakdown of law and order in Ibereko if the government does not implement its’ urban planning and environmental laws.

    He therefore called on the state Governor to put up stricter measures to check those who build indiscriminately without regard to the laws of the state and speed up the prosecution of land Grabbers in order to check the menance of land grabbling as well as close all illegal schools in Ibereko, Badagry.

    Edomi who says he believes in the rule of law and God’s protection for His children, however lamented that his life is being threatened by self acclaimed Chief Ogabi and his two Brothers who are acting on behalf of the Customs boss and his wife called on the Governor and the Attorney general of the state, well meaning Nigerians, the World Press Organization as well as the Presidents of NUJ, UPU worldwide, CAN, PFN and NBA to equally intervene saying the Customs boss and his wife,a Pastor, this time flew too high and too close to the sun with waxed wings.

    Furthermore, Edomi noted that with over 20 million people and expected to double by 2040, Lagos State will become a mega city as envisaged by the Lagos State government if people obey town planning and environmental laws.

    Meanwhile a document by the Kelani Oke family claimed that the land stretching from Kelani Street down to Oke Oko street at Ibereko belong to their father and claimed that the Customs boss had approached the Kelani family through one Chief Ogabi Brothers to buy the land but he was told that the had been sold to a Journalist.

    Edomi who is equally an Editorial Board member of the Compendium on Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, further told newsmen that he earlier reported the matter to the Comptroller of Customs, TIN Can port, but regretted that nothing was done before crying to the Lagos State Governor for justice especially when he saw that the Customs boss took advantage of the lockdown owing to the COVID-19 pandemic to start construction of a storey building on the land. A development which he decried and noted that it is in further contravention of the government’s order during this period of lockdown as well as to show that the Customs boss is above the law or to prove that nothing would happen even if he breaks the law. Such person in developed societies of which Nigeria is one, needs to be further investigated by the Nigeria Customs Service where he works and the EFCC to know the source of the wealth which he displays now and reason for taking the law into his hands.

    Edomi, who described the development as a demonstration of lawlessness, ungodliness, oppression, insatiable greed and attempt to use one’s privileged position to acquire other people’s property or parvet justice insisted on justice, said he has no other option than to cry to the Lagos State Governor.

  • Stray bullets hit 2 as customs, petrol smugglers clash at Seme border

    Stray bullets hit 2 as customs, petrol smugglers clash at Seme border

    Two youngsters have been hit by stray bullets during a confrontation between customs men and petrol smugglers at Seme border in Lagos State.

    It was gathered that the two boys – Hunsu Taiwo, 12, and Ganjo Henry, 10, were playing in Sokenu Compound of Seme when they were hit by customs bullets on Friday.

    The injured victims, however, survived after receiving treatment at the Customs clinic at Seme border.

    Confirming the incident, Customs Spokesman in Seme, Hussaini Abdullahi, said the two boys were hit by stray bullets at the back and ankle.

    Abdullahi said that the incident happened during a confrontation with smugglers who were trying to smuggle petrol to neighboring Benin Republic.

    “On Friday, July 3, at about 5p.m, a joint patrol team of command, based on credible intelligence went on an operation along Seme Carpenter village and identified a hideout used by some unpatriotic elements to stockpile petrol for onward smuggling to Benin Republic.

    “In an effort to evacuate the said item from the scene, some unscrupulous elements launched a vicious attack and aggressively advanced towards the scene of the seizure with assorted dangerous weapons with a desirous effort to set the place ablaze.

    “Considering the volatility of the seized items and the fact that all efforts short of using force to halt the mob from advancing towards the scene proved abortive, officers were left with no option than to use their firearms in order to defend themselves and avoid the envisaged catastrophe.

    “However, verifiable information later received indicated that two young innocent boys were injured by stray bullets at back and ankle,” he said.

    The customs spokesman said the boys were rushed to Customs clinic for proper medical intervention and fortunately the result came out with no major damages.

    “This gave room for prompt treatment of the patients at Customs facility and were consequently discharged strictly based on medical advice.

    “On this note, the command wish to register its unreserved displeasure with this unfortunate incident.

    “As a responsible and responsive service, we are working round the clock to partner with the family by providing all the necessary support to cushion the effect of this tragedy,” he said.

    Abdullahi, however, said the renewed hostility by smugglers and their accomplices would never be a distraction in discharging its statutory responsibilities.

    He promised that smugglers would always meet there waterloo with no breathing space in Seme command.

  • Customs seizes over N400m worth of contraband in Imo

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operating Unit (FOU), Zone C, Owerri, says it has confiscated contraband items worth N442.5 million in the state.

    Mr Kayode Olusemire, NSC Controller in Imo, made the disclosure while displaying the seized items on Thursday in Owerri.

    He listed the items to include 2,682 bags of foreign 50kg rice, 10,002 cartons of palmolein oil, 3,122 live ammunition for pump action rifles and 300 used and expired tyres.

    Others were a Marcopolo bus, a Toyota Sienna car, a Toyota Sequoia car, a Nissan Pathfinder car and a brewery truck, among others, used in conveying the smuggled items.

    Olusemire said that the items were intercepted in Abia, Imo and Rivers, adding that operational activities were carried out simultaneously in other states of the federation.

    The state controller who described the activities of smugglers as “unfortunate,” added that it was inimical to the economy and safety of Nigeria.

    He advised the people to take advantage of the current farming season and Nigeria’s arable land to grow crops, and emphasised the need for patriotism and selflessness.

    ”Nigeria is blessed with arable land and in this farming season, we should be planting rather than smuggling. Let us eat what we produce and produce what we eat.

    “It is quite pathetic that at a time when the whole world is putting heads together to conquer a ravaging pandemic, some persons are busy smuggling goods.

    “This is inimical both to our economy and our safety.

    “These are trying times. So, we have to be patriotic and eschew selfishness, greed and dishonest gains,” Olusemire said.

    He said that the NCS was working in close synergy with other security agencies in the fight against smuggling.

    Olusemire called on members of the public to provide the service with useful information that would lead to the confiscation of contraband goods

  • Customs Boss, Hameed Ali takes new wife

    Customs Boss, Hameed Ali takes new wife

    The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) has taken a new bride Hajiya Zainab Abdullahi.

    The wedding ceremony, devoid of fanfare because of the COVID-19 pandemic, was held over the weekend.

    Hameed Ali’s first wife, Hajiya Hadiza Jummai Ali died in Abuja on October 29th, 2018 at the age of 53 years old.

    According to reports, Hajiya Ali left behind her husband, Hameed Ali, and four children.

    Born 15 January 1955, the current Customs CG previously served as Military Governor of Kaduna State from 1996 to 1998.

    After retirement, he became secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum – a political and cultural association of leaders in Northern Nigeria.

  • Customs intercept N1.2bn cannabis – “largest single seizure” in history

    Customs intercept N1.2bn cannabis – “largest single seizure” in history

    Operatives of the Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) have intercepted drugs suspected to be Cannabis Sativa valued at N1,002,050,000 during a seagoing patrol on Lagos waters.

    The Controller of the command, Comptroller Olugboyega Peters, revealed this in a statement in Lagos on Thursday.

    Peters described the seizure as the “largest single seizure” of such drugs on the waters in the history of the Nigeria Customs.

    He said that his men relied on intelligence and carried out round the clock surveillance for a period of three days before swooping on the target area where the seizure was made.

    According to him, the suspected smugglers seen from afar with the drugs dived into the water to escape upon sighting customs officers approaching to make the seizure.

    “The drugs were suspected to be coming from Ghana and had passed other countries by water before getting to Shashi area of Lagos where it was seized.

    “Since no suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure, it will be liable to destruction in collaboration with relevant government agencies like National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Police,” he said.

    Peters said that the command had achieved 39 seizures within the first four months of the year, which is higher than 12 seizures made within the same period of 2019.

    He said that the command made seizures with a total duty paid value of N1,063,427,800 which was higher than DPV of N36,420,481.46 achieved within the same period of last year.

    He listed the breakdown of the 2020 seizures made so far as 1,816 bags of rice valued at N38,134,375; 733 cartons of poultry products worth N7,421,625; and 104 bales of second-hand clothing worth N4,393,400.

    He also listed 665 bales of textile materials worth N2,094,400 and 112 kegs of 25-litre petroleum products valued at N112,000.

    Other seizures listed are, 25 bales of second-hand shoes and belts worth N8,019,000; 25 cartons of chewing gum worth N1,203,000 and the unprecedented seizure of cannabis

    The Comptroller attributed the seizure recorded to the renewed spirit of work amongst officers and men of the command to achieve the Comptroller General of Customs strategic plan of zero tolerance to smuggling.

    He also attributed it to a high level of intelligence gathering and enhanced customs community relations.

    Peters said this was in addition to close collaboration with other government agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police, among others.