• Arrest 34 Migrants, Seize Cannabis, Used Goods in Ogun
The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), Sector 2, South-West Zone of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted 20,050 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in 802 jerry cans while being smuggled out of the country to Benin Republic.
Announcing the operation on Monday, Deputy Controller Mohammed Shuaibu, Officer-in-Charge of the JBPT, revealed that the seizures occurred at Idiroko and Imeko areas of Ogun State.
“In our steadfast commitment to combating smuggling activities, we intensified patrols, sustained surveillance activities, and enhanced intelligence gathering within the border corridors, which disrupted smuggling networks,” Shuaibu stated while addressing journalists.
He detailed additional contraband seized during the operation, which included 816 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 285 bales of used clothes, 61 jumbo sacks of used shoes, 674kg of Cannabis Sativa, and eight used vehicles. According to him, the total duty-paid value of the confiscated items within the last four weeks stood at N556,431,200.
Focusing on their efforts against illegal migration, Shuaibu noted the arrest of 34 illegal migrants who have since been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for prosecution. “While acting on the core mandate of the JBPT, which is to combat smuggling and illegal migration, our officers remained committed to duty,” he added.
The Deputy Controller also disclosed that N8,020,000 was deposited into the federation account from the auction sale of PMS that could not be warehoused due to its flammable nature. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the seized items.
Further addressing the issue of narcotics, Shuaibu said, “In our commitment to significantly distort the trade supply chain of illicit drugs, the Joint Border Patrol Sector 2 intercepted 674kg of Cannabis Sativa at Idiroko and Imeko during routine patrol operations.”
He stressed the dangers posed by illicit drug circulation, linking it to organized crime, violence, and health-related issues. “Illicit drug use is often linked to organized crime, violence, banditry, kidnapping, and health-related issues. The narcotics will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for investigation and further actions,” he added.
The Deputy Controller reaffirmed the unit’s determination to disrupt smuggling activities and safeguard national security through effective border management.
