The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command has generated N15, 890,489,479.26 between February 1st and April 30th this year.
The Area Comptroller, Adamu R. Abdulkadir, disclosed this on Thursday at a press briefing in Ibadan to showcase the achievements of the Command in the last three month.
Abdulkadir in his statement showered encomium on the officers and men of the area command for the successes recorded so far.
He stated that “Our officers and men at the Oyo/Osun Area Command have shown professionalism, zeal, and experience in the gallant discharge of their duties. They are key to the success showcased today.
“They weather the storm vigilantly to ensure that the mandate of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), is upheld.”
He also commended the collaboration of the command with Customs Intelligence Unit, Border Drill, Strike Force, Federal Operations Unit and other sister agencies in carrying out the anti-smuggling activities.
Abdulkadri further revealed that the CGC, Hameed Ali, has directed more stringent measures to further strengthen the interception capabilities of customs officers in corroboration with the extant laws and regulations guiding import/export procedures of the country while reiterating that the Oyo and Osun State Borders remain closed to any form of inward or outward trade.
The Oyo/Osun Area Comptroller of the Customs commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for his magnanimity and support in the donation of two units of JAC LHD 44 Pick-Up to enhance Customs operations in keeping the borders safe in its area of jurisdiction.
He acknowledged “the cooperation of the traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders and the good people of Oyo and Osun states in identifying and providing enabling environment for the officers to function properly.”
Abdulkadri also disclosed that the Command had inaugurated the “Operation Fish Out” team to further enhance its anti-smuggling capabilities by taking the battle to smugglers’ den through tactical raids and interceptions of smuggled items through the borders.
He added that “Now, another proficient team has been set up codenamed the ‘Excise Task Force’ to manage the Excise Factories extensively and widen the dragnet to infuse factories that have qualified to be enlisted under the Customs and Excise Control.
“These developments have further improved the performance and achievement of the Command on Revenue and Enforcement procedures.”
Explaining the rationale the Command had been using to achieve the successes, he said his team had visited sister agencies, Customs Outstations/Outposts and Patrol Bases including the Traditional Rulers of the towns, such as Ago-Are, Osogbo, to mention but a few to sensitize and seek the cooperation of all in playing a part in the socio-economic development and security architecture of the states.
According to him, “It has been a difficult time for the Nation but in the midst of this, there are some unscrupulous elements who are still trying to derail the effort of the service in meeting up to its target and we have been dealing with them decisively.
“Notwithstanding the aforementioned, it is my pleasure to inform you that we have not lost sight of the very important function of the fight against smuggling. We have sharpened our intelligence, re-strategized, created new patrol teams and drawn a more robust Area of Responsibility (AOR) chart to help combat these illicit activities.
“In line with Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 LFN 2004 (CEMA) which guides the operation of the service, we have conducted our duties with professionalism and efficiency.”
