Comptroller Peter Kolo dares die-hard smugglers at Idiroko border
* Seizes smugglers vehicle with Siren
(Written by Silas Onuoha)
Comptroller Peter Kolo :
* * * Saying no hiding place for economic saboteurs :
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Ogun -1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Peter Kolo, and his enforcement officers are using credible Intelligence to defeat illicit traders operating at Idiroko axis, the border between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
Despite the antics of these dare-devil smugglers, the officers are highly skillful in their modus-operandi, especially in using their eagle-eye to expose the level of sabotage perpetrated by smugglers.
Our Correspendent gathered that through resilience and doggedness, the officers just uncovered another tactics of smuggling with vehicles using Siren.
Giving credence to the latest seizure, the CAC said, “We will leave no stone unturned in implementing the fiscal policies of Federal Government, in order to protect our economy from the activities of saboteurs.
“So far, we have uncovered different tactics of smuggling through unapproved routes in Idiroko communities.
“Some of these smugglers are even creating extra-compartments in their vehicles up to the engine parts, just to carry prohibited items.
“While some smuggle through the creeks, others create separate locations along the waterways to enable them carry contraband.
“Through Intelligence, we also discovered that some smugglers operate at night; while others use motorcycles to carry items through the bush.”
He pointed out, “Most recently, we uncovered another technique of smuggling using vehicles mounted with Siren devices.
“Their plan was to deceive our officers. So,
they used the Siren to make it look like security personnel on officials duty, or emergency situations. But we used intelligence and our eagle –eye to uncover the illegal act
“In fact, that is not all. We are taking anti-smuggling war to the creeks. There is no hiding place for saboteurs working against government policies and destroying our economy for personal interest”.
Comptroller Kolo frowned at incessant attacks on officers by smugglers, warning them to desist from attacking his men on duty, or be ready to face the wrath of the law.
He advised Nigerians to be patrotic and support government in building the economy, instead of taking side with smugglers whenever there is conflict between Customs and smugglers.
He said, “The public must stop showing sympathy to smugglers destroying our economy, rather, let us assess the damage these illicit traders are doing to our local Industries. In December 2020 alone, we lost five officers to smugglers attack.”
However, notwithstanding recurring attacks and the volatile nature of Idiroko border, the Command recorded seizures with Duty Paid Value (DPV), of over N113.8million in January 2021 alone.
The Command also made seizures worth over N2.2billion from January to December 2020 economic year, making a total of N2.3billion.
From Left; DC Enforcement, A. S. Rufai Alao and DC Administration, D. A. Nnadi, of Ogun -1 Customs Command :
From Left: DC Administration, D. A. Nnadi and the Public Relations Officer of Ogun -1 Command, Hammed Bukoye Oloyede:
