The Federal Operations Unit Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service have intercepted a 1x40ft Container loaded with 4,410 of Dry Donkey Skin.
The Street Value of the consignment of Donkey skin is put at N4.236 billion. The seizures is part of ongoing enforcement operation by the unit from December 25, 2024 to February 4, 2025.
Addressing newsmen at the Customs Warehouse in Ikeja, the Comptroller FOU Zone A, Kola Oladeji, revealed that six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
Comptroller Oladeji also revealed that 21 units of exotic cars valued at about N561.3 million were allegedly recovered from suspected smugglers in the South West.
He itemized the seizures to include : 3031 bags of rice valued afN398 million, 2,725 parcels of cannabis sativa valued at about N218 million, 397 kegs of Petrol valued at about N1.6 million, 118 cartons of frozen poultry products valued at about N2.8 million, 105 bakes of second hand clothing valued at N12.6 million, 21 units of exotic cars valued at N561.3 million and 4,410 dry Donkey skin valued at N4.240 billion.
“The arrested Cannabis Sativa weighing 1,378kg will be handed over to the relevant Government Agency for further investigation.
“Also in 2016, as part of the Federal Government fiscal policy, Foreign parboiled rice was prohibited from being Imported through Land Border but permitted to be imported only through the Seaport with payment of requisite revenue. However, for selfish gains, some unpatriotic individuals have continue to defy this restrictions which negatively impact National Economy and distort National Trade Data.
“It is also imperative to inform the public that Foreign frozen poultry products are prohibited from Import by Trade under the ECOWAS Common External Tarrif particularly schedule III of the CET.
“Six Defendants were arrested in connection with various prohibited goods and Cannabis Sativa. Some of them have been granted administrative bail while investigation is on-going on these cases” he stated.
On revenue collected within the same period, he stated that through regular Documentation check and profiling of suspected irregular Import document the sum of N60.902 million were generated.
“Our resolve and commitment to tame smuggling and illegal Cross border movement of goods in 2025 has informed the adoption of measures and strategies which include the following:
I. Improvement on existing robust relationship with leaders of Border Communities and Traditional rulers.
II. Creation of awareness and Education of the public on dangers of smuggling to the Economy.
III. Strict Enforcement of the provisions of the NCS Act 2023 and prosecution of offenders to show deterrence.
“I therefore use this opportunity to advice and also warn unscrupulous and unpatriotic individuals to have a change of heart by engaging in legitimate Trades in 2025 as our on-going “Swift Sting Operation” will not spare all acts of Economic Sabotage in the New Year. As for legitimate Importers, Traders and Authorized Economic Operators (AEO), our doors are open for consultation and collaboration as we intend to re-engineer our Trade facilitation systems in line with the Federal Government Policy on Ease of Doing Business” he said.
