THE acting controller of the Nigeria Customs Service’s Ogun Area 1 Command, Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, stated yesterday that smugglers operating near the state’s border communities have lost at least N1.5 billion in goods seized by the command between January and September of this year.
Shuaibu, who bemoaned the massive loss, stated that if the money had been spent on legitimate trade, it would have boosted the economy of border communities and the country as a whole.
The Customs chief also urged stakeholders, particularly youths from border villages, to join forces with the command in the enlightenment campaign efforts geared at combating smuggling in the area.
Shuaibu represented by Deputy Comptroller Charles Ogunesan made this remark while speaking at the Idiroko Border in Ipokia Local Government Area during the 5th annual symposium organized by the Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day.
Speaking at the annual program titled “Smuggling and Hoarding of Petroleum Products: Effects on Border Communities and National Security,” the Customs chief bemoaned the ongoing attacks on NCS anti-smuggling operatives, which he stated had claimed many lives and left others permanently disabled.
He said that the command has recorded various attacks throughout the years, ranging from roadblocks to mob action and altercations with smugglers and their supporters, all of which resulted in fatalities.
“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 emphasized that youths involvement in the anti-smuggling battle will also help to reduce the number of avoidable deaths that host border communities have had to deal 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.”
