The Acting Controller of Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, revealed on Monday that smugglers operating in the state’s border communities have suffered losses of at least N1.5 billion in confiscated goods by the command between January and September this year. Shuaibu expressed regret over this substantial loss and emphasized that if such funds were invested in legitimate trade, it could have significantly boosted the economy of both the border communities and the entire nation.
Furthermore, the Customs official urged stakeholders, particularly the youth from the border areas, to collaborate with the command in awareness campaigns aimed at tackling the issue of smuggling in the region. Deputy Comptroller Charles Ogunesan, representing Shuaibu, made these statements while addressing attendees at the 5th annual symposium organized by the Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day at the Idiroko Border in Ipokia Local Government Area.
Speaking at the annual programme with the theme “Smuggling and Hoarding of Petroleum Products: Effects On Border Communities And National Security”, the Customs boss lamented the ceaseless attacks on NCS anti-smuggling operatives which he said had claimed many lives of the officers and left others with permanent disabilities.
He disclosed that the command had over the years, recorded several attacks ranging from blocking of access roads, mob action, and altercations with smugglers and their sympathisers often resulting in loss of lives.
“Over the years, the Command had recorded series of horrible and unwanted experiences in our line of lawful duties. We have lost scores of officers to death and permanent disability while our dear communities have also lost many of their members to the evil of this unfortunate demon called smuggling. It is high time we say no to smuggling considering the dangers inherent in it.”
He emphasised that youths’ involvement in the anti-smuggling crusade will also go a long way toward reducing the rate of avoidable deaths which the host border communities have had to live with “due to the evil of this unfortunate demon called smuggling”.
“It is high time we say no to smugglings considering the dangers inherent in it. It retards our economic development, hampers our social well-being and endangers our national security. I want you to know that the security and development of our dear nation are the responsibility of us all.”
