As part of efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced it is developing technological security machines to monitor and secure unapproved routes at the Ogun State border.
At a press briefing held at the Abeokuta State Command on Monday, the Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service 1, Idi-Iroko Command, James Ojo, addressed journalists’ questions regarding the porous nature of Ogun State’s border with neighboring countries.
He stated that the current number of officers is insufficient to man the border, prompting the Controller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to explore other security measures.
According to him, once these technological security measures are operational, physical officers may no longer be needed to secure these routes, as all activities will be monitored by the command.
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The rising insecurity in Ogun State, marked by frequent kidnappings and killings, underscores the need for enhanced border security.
Saving Point Media reported that last Tuesday, the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force engaged in a gun battle with kidnappers near Delabo Junction along the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway, resulting in the deaths of two kidnappers and the seizure of various weapons.
According to a correspondent who spoke with the officer in charge of the seized weapons, these arms are likely smuggled through unapproved border routes.
Additionally, the Controller of Customs, James Ojo, has been proactive in the fight against insecurity in Ogun State.
He recently visited all security agencies and traditional rulers in the state, seeking their collaborative support and promising to secure the borders to prevent the smuggling of dangerous weapons and drugs.
Highlighting the achievements of the Command in the second quarter of 2024, Ojo reported generating an impressive revenue of N92,369,227.00, representing a 52.46% increase compared to the N53,983,622.00 recorded in the same period of 2023. In June 2024, the Command surpassed its monthly revenue target of N34,122,666.90 by 77.86%.
In addition to revenue generation, the Command’s enforcement activities led to significant interceptions of prohibited goods. Recent operations resulted in the seizure of 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 44,466 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tires, and 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes.
Other intercepted items include 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, 7,015 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 21 units of vehicles, 3 units of motorcycles, and 115 pairs of used shoes, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N770,666,237.00.
Ojo emphasized that these seizures reflect the relentless fight against smuggling and the Command’s determination to protect the local economy, ensure public health and safety, and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s borders.
He warned smugglers to cease their activities, or face severe consequences from the Customs Service.
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