The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully intercepted 199,495 litres of smuggled fuel in Adamawa State, auctioning it to local residents at a price of N630 per litre at selected filling stations. This operation is part of NCS’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and protect Nigeria’s economy. The seized fuel, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦199,495,000, was being trafficked using tankers, jerry cans, and drums across the state’s borders. Combatting Smuggling Through Intelligence-Driven Operations Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, confirmed that the interception of this large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was the result of intelligence-driven operations by NCS officers in the Adamawa/Taraba Command. Operation Whirlwind played a key role in the bust, as officers targeted critical smuggling routes such as Mova, Dasin, the Galamba-Song axis, and the Mubi-Maiha corridor. Adeniyi condemned the actions of smugglers, describing them as “economic saboteurs” who seek to harm the nation’s energy sector and destabilize its economy. Despite the Nigerian government’s economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, smugglers remain determined to undermine these efforts. “These economic saboteurs are determined to inflict hardship on law-abiding Nigerians, but let it be clearly understood that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its mandate to protect our national economy,” said Adeniyi. Strategic Interceptions and Smuggling Tactics The customs chief also detailed the smuggling tactics used by these criminals. Smugglers often rely on nighttime river crossings at locations like the Dasin Waterways, as well as illegal storage facilities near border towns. Some even attempt to conceal fuel at unauthorized dispensing points to evade detection. Despite these sophisticated methods, Adeniyi reassured the public that the NCS will continue to refine its strategies, enhance intelligence gathering, and work closely with other security agencies to close in on smugglers. “There will be no safe haven for them within our operational areas,” he added. Public Cooperation and Auctioning of Seized Fuel The NCS has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. In line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the seized petroleum products were legally auctioned to residents of Adamawa State at N630 per litre, with 25-litre jerry cans sold for N10,000 each. The auction took place at designated filling stations. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
In a ceremony held at the Oyo/Osun Area Command’s Operational Headquarters in Ibadan, 95 officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) were decorated after their successful promotion in the recent exercise. Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the Controller of the Command, led the event on Monday, honoring the promoted officers and men who had reached the next rank. The announcement came through a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Kayode Wey, and made available to news outlets in Ibadan. The promotion ceremony saw attendance from the Command’s officers, their colleagues, and well-wishers, all gathered to celebrate the newly elevated individuals. In his remarks, Dr. Oramalugo extended congratulations to the officers and men, highlighting their hard work, dedication, and the invaluable contributions they had made to the Command’s success. He emphasized that the promotions were not only well-deserved but also reflected their integrity and professionalism throughout their careers. “It’s a proud moment for our Command as we celebrate the resilience and excellence that each of you has shown to reach this milestone,” Oramalugo said. He added that the promotion was proof of the officers’ commitment to the core values of the Nigeria Customs Service and the national mission to foster prosperity and security. The Controller encouraged the promoted officers to continue exemplifying integrity and professionalism as they move forward in their careers. He also praised the officers from different units and departments within the Command, noting that their new ranks marked significant career milestones. “The promotion ceremony highlights both personal achievement and our collective commitment to the high standards that define the Nigeria Customs Service,” he said. Oramalugo reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to continuous professional development and capacity building for all officers. Lastly, he urged the newly promoted officers to be role models for their colleagues, fostering growth, intelligence, and positive contributions to the NCS. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Kindly Share:
The Nigeria Customs Service revealed that the AEO program has saved importers and SMEs N100 million in just four months. Discover the impact and benefits of this modernisation effort set for official launch in 2025. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that its pilot Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme has successfully saved importers, logistics operators, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) a significant N100 million within just four months. This disclosure came during the AEO Pre-launch Stakeholder Engagement and Sensitisation event on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) and Advance Ruling, held on Wednesday in Lagos. The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, confirmed that the official launch of the AEO programme is scheduled for February 14, 2025. Speaking through the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Trade and Tariff, Kingsley Egwuh, Adeniyi explained that the AEO initiative is a vital part of the NCS’s modernisation efforts, aimed at aligning Nigeria with global trade standards and enhancing supply chain security. It’s designed to foster a more transparent, efficient, and secure trading environment, promoting trusted partnerships between Customs and economic operators. The pilot phase, which started on April 15, 2024, involved six beneficiaries from various sectors, including importers, logistics operators, and SMEs. This pilot has not only provided critical insights into stakeholder needs but also contributed to significant financial and operational benefits. Since the AEO benefits were fully administered on September 2, 2024, participants have saved approximately N100 million. This success underscores the programme’s potential to streamline trade processes, reduce costs, and speed up the movement of goods through the supply chain. Beyond financial gains, the AEO programme has introduced key improvements in efficiency. The integration of Advance Ruling and Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) mechanisms further supports compliance, ensuring predictability and timely customs procedures, and safeguarding government revenue. Adeniyi reiterated that the NCS is dedicated to fostering an enabling environment for trade. The Advance Ruling and PCA initiatives are crucial for maintaining transparency and compliance, which are vital for smoother trade operations. As the programme gears up for its full launch in 2025, the current stakeholder engagement session plays a critical role in sharing findings from the pilot phase. Customs is committed to co-creating solutions with stakeholders to address any gaps and ensure the sustainability and success of the AEO programme. The feedback gathered will be invaluable in refining the program, ensuring that it meets the needs of all parties involved and further strengthens Nigeria’s position as a key player in global trade. This updated blog post ensures clarity and structure for better reader retention and engagement. With optimized focus keywords, image keyphrase, and a detailed meta description, it’s aligned with Rank Math SEO standards for increased visibility. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Kindly Share:
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to auction 15,325 litres of seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at ₦400 per litre. This initiative aims to address transportation challenges during the festive season. Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of the NCS’s Operation Whirlwind, disclosed the development during a press briefing at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos, on Saturday. Details of the Auction The seized petrol, valued at ₦27.5 million, was confiscated during anti-smuggling operations across Lagos and Ogun states. According to Ejibunu, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi approved the auction, with pricing set at ₦10,000 per 25-litre container. Ejibunu emphasized that all legal and procedural requirements have been met, including obtaining a court condemnation order through the office of the legal adviser. This ensures a transparent and lawful auction process. Operation’s Impact and Objectives “This operation, which commenced on May 27, 2024, has yielded significant results,” Ejibunu remarked. He further noted that the Comptroller-General has directed the operatives to maintain the momentum until economic sabotage activities are fully eliminated. In line with this directive, the auction aims to make fuel more accessible to the public during the festive season, helping to alleviate potential transportation difficulties. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Kindly Share:
The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State has handed over three individuals apprehended for alleged drug smuggling to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). This move aims to ensure comprehensive investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects. Seizure Details According to a statement issued by Navy Captain Uche Aneke, Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, the arrests were made during a routine patrol on Monday, November 25, 2024, in the Bendero and Uta Uyata waterways. Navy gunboats intercepted a vessel carrying: The intercepted items were reportedly smuggled from Cameroon into Nigeria, highlighting ongoing cross-border trafficking challenges. Formal Handover On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the suspects and the seized items were officially transferred to the NDLEA and NCS. Captain Aneke emphasized that the Navy followed the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment, ensuring compliance with directives from the Defence Headquarters. Navy’s Stand on Maritime Security Speaking on the issue, Captain Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime domain. Under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Navy has intensified surveillance and intelligence operations to secure the nation’s waters. He issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating within FOB Ibaka’s jurisdiction: “Nigeria’s waters and coastal areas are not havens for illegal activities. Anyone involved in smuggling or other maritime crimes will be apprehended and prosecuted.” Implications for Maritime Security This incident underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing the growing menace of drug trafficking and smuggling in Nigeria. By transferring the suspects and items to appropriate authorities, the Navy has reinforced its role in protecting Nigeria’s borders and maintaining law and order at sea. READ ALSO:
Kindly Share:
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has signed a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with India, a significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade relations. The agreement, finalized on November 16, 2023, was formalized during a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, with the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, representing Nigeria. A Landmark in Bilateral Cooperation The CMAA coincides with the state visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria on November 17, 2023. CGC Adeniyi described the agreement as a “milestone achievement” that results from negotiations initiated in 2016. He highlighted that the agreement aims to: Key Features of the Agreement The CMAA is designed to facilitate seamless trade and ensure compliance with customs regulations. Its provisions include: Boosting Trade and Economic Growth This collaboration underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international trade partnerships. By working closely with India, Nigeria aims to: The CMAA not only reinforces the integrity of customs practices but also signals Nigeria’s dedication to promoting transparency, reducing trade barriers, and facilitating economic growth. This partnership is expected to create a mutually beneficial relationship, enhancing trade volumes and paving the way for deeper integration into the global economy. READ ALSO:
