FOU ZONE C OWERRI SETS A NEW STANDARD FOR ANTI-SMUGGLING MEASURES
The Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ Owerri, under the leadership of Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun, has achieved notable success in its crackdown on smuggling activities. In its first month, the unit seized illicit goods valued at ₦1.01 billion and recovered ₦13.45 million from Demand Notices, underscoring its commitment to revenue generation and anti-smuggling initiatives.
During his inaugural press briefing held recently, at the unit’s headquarters, Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun emphasized the unit’s commitment to combating smuggling, which he described as a threat to the nation’s economic growth and public health. He assured the public of the unit’s unwavering dedication to protecting local industries and preventing the influx of prohibited goods.
Since assuming office on March 20, 2025, Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun has been proactive in executing his mandate, taking decisive action to curb smuggling activities in Owerri and surrounding areas.
The anti-smuggling measures put in place by the new Controller of the unit as soon as he assumed office which is one of the core mandates of the service led to the interception and seizure of these goods namely;
• 725 BALES OF SECOND-HAND USED CLOTHING.
• 2762 ROLLS OF SATIN FABRIC OF 60 YARDS.
• 2589 USED TYRES.
• 233 SACKS OF 2KG FOREIGN RICE.
• 181 ROLLS OF WALL COVERING.
• 102 BOTTLES OF 75CL DIESEL.
• 80 JERRY CAN OF 25L OF PMS (CALABAR).
• 78 JERRY CANS OF 25L CRUDE OIL.
• 32 NEW TYRES.
• 25 BALES OF CANNABIS SATIVA.
• 24 BOTTLES OF 150CL OF DIESEL.
• 14 BAGS OF 50KG FOREIGN RICE.
• 3 CARTON OF REDWINE.
• 1 SACK OF USED SHOES.
• 1 SCANNIA CONTAINER BODY TRUCK REG NO: T 281 A2LA.
• 1 MERCEDEZ TRUCK REG NO: NKE 323 XE.
• 1 MACK TRUCK REG NO: XB654-BNY 2001.
• 1 MACK TRUCK WITH REG NO: APP 808 XA.
• 2 X 40 FT EMPTY CONTAINER.
• 5 PARCEL OF CANNADIAN LOUD.
Comptroller Bishir reinstated that no matter the intentions of smugglers and their patronizers the unit will not relent in carrying out its statutory functions which are backed up with intelligence-driven strategies by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
The Controller of the unit while Commending officers/men of the unit during the briefing anchored his successes to focus, diligence, professionalism and decision to contribute his quota to national economy, by blocking all revenue leakages, enforcement of trade facilitation and taking charge of the nation’s entry points which is of uttermost importance to the unit.
In continuation he reinstated that the unit must work together to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and the CGC BA Adeniyi (MFR) to succeed. He also called on traders and stakeholders to be compliant, as our officers are professionally trained to checkmate the activities of non-compliant traders and block likely areas of revenue leakages.
In our inter-agency collaboration, the seized cannabis sativa shall be handed over to NDLEA.
These timely successes and achievements are as a result of the purposeful leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, high-level of professionalism, commitment, and teamwork. He further added that the unit is also determined to sanitize the zone of any form of un-customs activities and facilitate legitimate trade.NCS is committed to the consolidation of successes achieved, collaborative engagement with critical stakeholders, and innovative ideas in its dealings to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations. The Controller used the medium to thank the sagacious CGC and his entire management team for their dynamic leadership styles and qualities.
In conclusion, the controller commended the media for their continuous support and for spreading the gospel. He called on them not to relent, he urged them to continue with the advocacy and campaign against illicit trade within and across the nation’s borders. Nigerians should support the service with the necessary information and intelligence that will assist in effectively discharging our statutory functions, to protect lives and the nation’s economy to better the lives of Nigerians at large.
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