Operatives of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone “A” of the Nigerian Customs have seized military camouflage, petroleum products and other items worth about N517, 918,790.
The seizures were announced on Wednesday by the Acting Controller, Hussein Ejibunu, during a press briefing in Lagos.
The seizure of the military camouflage is coming about two weeks to the election in what has given rise to suspicion that those behind the uniform may be up for bad intention.
Ejibunu said the seizures were made after restrategizing efforts by operatives of the FOU.
He said, “Considering the spate of insecurity across the country, and the upcoming general elections; it can be postulated that the importation of Indian Hemp, and military camouflage could be used to fuel crimes and electoral violence by unpatriotic elements. While the former is under prohibition, the latter are under the control and supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser, which requires End-User Certificates.
“In continuation of our anti-smuggling drive and protection of revenue loss, this Unit had re-strategized its operations and re-injected new schemes to tackle the economic menace caused by recalcitrant importers and agents. We have harnessed our human resources and logistics for the prevention of economic sabotage.
“We did not only re-strategize our operations but our officers are urged to be more professional, and are keyed into the Service’s Standard Operations Procedure (SOP); aimed at facilitating legitimate trade. In doing this, we are assuring all compliant traders and importers that they have nothing to fear. While the recalcitrant ones are advised to desist because we are better mobilized with high morale to arrest, prosecute, and make them loose their wares in forfeiture to the federal government.”
Other items seized were 13 used cars, 47,750 liters of premium gasoline and 1,163 kg of Indian hemp which according to the Controller have been handed over to the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency.
He also disclosed that 11 suspects were detained in relation to some of the goods seized.
He added that the Unit recovered the sum of N86,117,398.50) as revenue into the Federation Account through the issuance of demand notices.
