The Area Controller of the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Patrick Ntadi has announced that within two months of his assumption of office, the Command has made seizures worth of N352,952,200 Duty Paid Value (DPV). He has also embarked on renovation and construction of structures and demolition of illegal structures around the Command premises.
During his maiden media press briefing held at the command on 24th June, 2025, Comptroller Ntadi told journalists that the seizures represent a significant blow to criminal networks involved in illicit trade and smuggling activities. They also reaffirm the command’s commitment to protecting the borders and ensuring that lawful trade and commerce thrive within our economy.
The seizures include: Rice- 2,017 Bags, Cannabis Sativa – 481 loaves, Textiles and clothings- 72 bundles, Sugar – 7 Bags, 4 locally constructed fibre boats, and 5 locally constructed wooden boats.
He attributed the success made by the Command to the motivation given from the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, enhanced intelligence gathering , improved collaboration with other security agencies like the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Marine Police and the Immigration Service and the deployment of more patrol vessels along the coastlines and inland waterways.
Comptroller Ntadi also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illegal trade in our waterways.
The Cannabis Sativa was handed over to the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“We remain vigilant and proactive, continually updating our strategies to counter evolving smuggling tactics. I assure you that the Western Marine Command will not relent in its fight against smuggling and illegal activities. We are committed to upholding the laws of our land, protecting our citizens, and ensuring that justice is served.
“I express my profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team that has been instrumental in supporting this fight against smuggling operations by providing critical resources and equipment to the Western Marine Command. This support has empowered the Command to achieve remarkable successes in ensuring that smugglers have no safe haven on our waterways, thereby creating a secure and thriving environment for legitimate trade.
“We also want to extend our gratitude to our sister agencies like NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Marine Police, and especially The Nigerian Navy who in synergy with us in the cause of our activities towards making our operation a success has been laudable.”
Concerning the demolition of illegal structures around the Command, he said there are hoodlums that are settled around including a market place which doesn’t make the security of the Command guaranteed.He added that the structures have defaced the entrance around the premises making it difficult for the place to be identified.
“When I came in here, I felt very insecure with those people outside. There was a market there. If we expose ourselves to those kind of people there every night, it could be dangerous.”
While speaking about staff welfare, he explained that the officers who patrol the waters around Badagry, Idiroko ,Yekeme, face challenges of poor accomodation and navigating through creeks created by smugglers . He assured that the CGC is putting things in place to provide conducive working condition for the officers.
“The problem is not just the smugglers. We have natural problems too that our officers encounter on the waters. When the rain increases, the water sometimes goes up above the level, which means there’s no sleeping place for them.They have to move into the boat to pass the night which is very dangerous.
But then, luckily for us, we have a CGC who is seriously looking into the situation to see that the marine officers have a better working condition.”he said.
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