The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ Owerri, Imo State, under the control of Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun, has intercepted illicit goods worth over N1.10B in 1 month.
According to the press release made available to the media by CSC Rosemary Nche, CPRO of the Unit, Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun through his systematic crackdown and anti-smuggling measures, intercepted illicit goods with duty paid value (DPV) of N1,010,113,880.00 (One billion, ten million, one hundred and thirteen thousand, eight hundred and eight naira only) within one (1) month of assumption of office.
Speaking on the unit’s revenue recovery, the Unit Comptroller said that a total of Thirteen million, four hundred and fifty-one thousand, eight hundred and forty-eight naira (N13,451,848) was generated from Demand Notices (DN) within the period under review.
The Unit Comptroller, Mr. Balogun further disclosed during his first press briefing at the Unit’s headquarters in Owerri, which took place today, the 17th of April, 2025.
The Comptroller, who frowned at smugglers activities, enumerated on the damages that are associated with smuggling, which he described as an economic sabotage, to bring in prohibited goods into the country, and its negative impact on local industries, and as well, affect the well-being of individuals.
Recall that Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun, who took over the mantle of leadership of the Unit on the 20th of March, 2025 has not relented in carrying out his statutory mandate, as he swung into action to bring smuggling activities in Owerri and its environs to a minimal level.
It was indeed, the anti-smuggling measures put in place by the new Comptroller of the Unit, as soon as he assumed office, which is one of the core mandates of the Service that led to the interception and seizure of these goods which include:
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 RED WINE, 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 and 5 PARCEL OF CANADIAN LOUD.
Comptroller Balogun in the meantime, reinstated that no matter the intentions of smugglers and their patronizers, that the Unit will not relent in carrying out its statutory functions that are backed up with intelligence-driven strategies by the Comptroller General (CG) of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The Comptroller, while Commending officers and men of the Unit, 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.
Speaking further, Comptr. Balogun used the medium to enjoin officers and men of the Unit to work together, to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the CGC, BA Adeniyi to succeed in their various mandates.
He also called on importers and stakeholders to be compliant, as their officers are professionally trained to checkmate the activities of non-compliant importers/freight forwarders and block likely areas of revenue leakages.
In his words, Comptr. Balogun said: “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.” The Comptroller stated.
He further opined 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 Comptroller disclosed.
The Unit Comptroller in the meantime, thanked the sagacious CGC Adeniyi and his entire management team, for their dynamic leadership styles and strides; while commending the media for their continuous support, through balanced reportage.
He in the same vein, called on the media not to relent, but 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 and to better the lives of Nigerians at large.” Comptr. Balogun appealed.
