Compt Balogun onslaught against Criminals
…. Clears Zone ‘C’ of illicit trade
Comptroller Birshi Abdullahi Balogun, the Customs Area Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’, based in Owerri, has taken significant steps to restore order and curb illegal trade activities across the Southeastern region, where the zone operates. Since assuming office, his leadership has brought about remarkable changes, ensuring that operations in the zone remain active and effective.
During a press briefing held, at the Government Warehouse in Aduwawa, Benin, Edo State, Comptroller Balogun emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed about the ongoing activities and accomplishments of the Customs Service—an approach he referred to as the unit’s “innovative tradition.”
He stated, “This press conference aims to update you on the recent notable achievements recorded by our unit in areas such as facilitating legitimate trade, boosting revenue generation, collaborating with security agencies and stakeholders, enforcing fiscal policies, and tackling smuggling activities.”
Balogun highlighted that under his leadership—and with strong guidance from the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC BA Adeniyi (MFR)—the unit has continued to employ intelligence-driven strategies in its daily operations. These approaches have proven highly effective in achieving results, especially in anti-smuggling efforts.
He praised the professionalism and dedication of his officers, noting their strong commitment to implementing government fiscal policies as outlined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023. The operations conducted across various parts of the zone led to multiple seizures, including:
• 3,022 pieces of dry salted donkey skin packed in sacks
• Used tyres
• Used clothing packed in bales and bags
• Bags of foreign parboiled rice
In line with inter-agency collaboration, certain items were handed over to the appropriate authorities: Cannabis Sativa to the NDLEA, medical products to NAFDAC, and the donkey skins to NESREA.
Comptroller Balogun credited these achievements to the effective leadership of the Comptroller General and the unity and professionalism of the Customs personnel. He reaffirmed the unit’s dedication to eliminating all forms of illicit trade and promoting lawful commerce.
He also used the opportunity to call on traders and stakeholders to remain compliant with trade regulations, assuring them that trained officers are prepared to detect non-compliance and close revenue leakages. Finally, he expressed appreciation to the media for their continuous support in publicizing the unit’s anti-smuggling efforts and innovations across the country.
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