The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) continues to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders and boosting revenue generation. In a recent operation, the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, intercepted seven trucks laden with over 2,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, also announced the interception of several arms shipments, including a significant haul of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition at Onne Seaport. These successes underscore the NCS’s multifaceted approach to tackling smuggling, revenue leakage, and security threats.
The rice seizure, according to Customs Area Comptroller Kola Oladeji, was the result of intelligence gathering and heightened surveillance along the Ogun Waterside and other areas within the South-West region. The smugglers, suspected to be operating through the waterways and creeks, abandoned their illicit cargo upon sighting customs officers. While the exact quantity of the seized rice is yet to be determined through a physical count, it is estimated to exceed 2,000 bags. The incident highlights the persistent challenge of smuggling, particularly through the nation’s porous waterways, and the NCS’s proactive measures to combat it. The smugglers’ apparent belief that officers were on holiday underscores the need for continuous vigilance and robust enforcement strategies.
Beyond the seizure of smuggled rice, the NCS has recorded significant achievements in revenue generation. The Comptroller-General, speaking at the 18th Africa Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar, revealed that the NCS generated a record-breaking N5.1 trillion in revenue in 2024. This achievement, he attributed to the innovative use of technology, improved compliance frameworks, and strengthened partnerships with domestic and international stakeholders. This signifies not just increased revenue but also reflects the growing efficiency and effectiveness of the NCS’s operations.
The NCS’s success extends beyond revenue generation to encompass a wider range of security concerns. The interception of the large arms shipment at Onne Seaport demonstrates the Service’s commitment to curbing the proliferation of illegal weapons, a critical element in maintaining national security. Furthermore, collaborations with other agencies, such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have led to successful interceptions of illicit drugs, further highlighting the NCS’s role in safeguarding public health and safety.
The NCS’s efforts also extend to environmental protection. The interception of 4,200kg of pangolin scales and ivory underscores the Service’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and upholding international conservation agreements. This reflects a broader understanding of the NCS’s role, extending beyond economic and security concerns to encompass environmental protection. This further exemplifies the agency’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate across a spectrum of critical national interests.
The NCS’s approach to tackling these challenges is multi-pronged. It leverages intelligence-led operations, strengthened inter-agency collaborations, and the innovative use of technology. Operation Whirlwind, a joint effort with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, has resulted in the interception of over 695,000 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The incorporation of geospatial technologies, including satellite feeds and geo-mapping, has further enhanced surveillance and enforcement capabilities, ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of these operations. These strategies showcase the NCS’s commitment to adapting to evolving threats and leveraging technology to strengthen its operational capacity.
