Seme Customs intercepts smuggled petrol, contraband worth millions of Naira during ENDSARS protest
* Condemns false alarm
By Silas Onuoha :
The Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol and smuggled vehicles worth millions of Naira during the period of ENDSARS protest in the country.
The Command also reinforced its operations, as officers were positioned at strategic areas within the border communities to curb illicit trade.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Command, Mr. HUSSAINI ABDULLAHI, disclosed this to reporters in Lagos.
Speaking further, the PRO described a media report on Customs officers and other security personnel abandoning Seme-Badagry road as a false alarm with a wrong motive to mislead the public.
His words, “Our attention have been drawn to a misrepresentation of facts published on one newspaper of Wednesday, 28th October, 2020. However, the motive of the writer to orchestrate such malicious report on a reputable newspaper known for upholding professionalism and ethics remains unknown.
“The statement alleged that officers of Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command and other Security agencies vacated Seme-Badagry road for fear of being attacked by Hoodlums and #EndSARS protesters, thereby creating free access for smugglers to perpetrate their unpatriotic act.
“The Command wishes to state clearly that, the allegation is untrue and unfounded as officers were not only at their various duty posts, but were reinvigorated in their anti-smuggling operations. This translated into the seizures of the following items from 12th October till date, which falls within the period of #EndSARS protest:
* 396X50KG of foreign parboiled rice:
*152X25 Jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit:
* 6X25Litres of Vegetable Oil:
*7 units of smuggled vehicles.
“The above mentioned seized items have a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) worth millions of Naira”.
He went on, “It is on this premise that the Command appeals to members of the public to disregard this misinformed publication that was built based on fallacy and may affect the morale of officers who day and night risk their lives to protect our borders.
“To this end, the Command will continue to enforce Federal Government fiscal policies, provide professional and quality service that will enhance development of the Country at large.”
