FOU Zone 'A’ intercepted 445-bags-of-rice within an hour operation
... Comptroller Oladeji warned smugglers to embrace legal businesses and support Nigerian rice farmers instead of smuggling expired rice into the country
Bisi Akingbade
The Federal Operations Unit, FOU Zone 'A' of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted 445 bags of parboiled rice in an operation lasting less than an hour along the Ogun Area Command.
The Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday.
Comptroller Oladeji said the interception occurred early on Tuesday at the Ijohun axis along the Ogun border.
He credited the successful operation to intelligence reports received from stakeholders.
He said “Our officers intercepted a truckload of rice. As soon as the smugglers saw them, they fled, leaving the truck behind,” he said.
"The truck was stuck in a swampy area, so officers hired another vehicle to transport the seized rice to the unit for documentation.
“The 445 bags of rice have been forfeited to the Federal Government. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and no casualties were recorded,” he added.
He explained further that smugglers usually comply with Customs’ rules of engagement, while officers prioritise protecting lives and property.
Oladeji praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for equipping the command and motivating officers, leading to impressive results.
He also acknowledged the support of stakeholders and traditional rulers in the zone for assisting Customs operations.
He warned smugglers to embrace legal businesses and support Nigerian rice farmers instead of smuggling expired rice into the country.
He urged them to invest in local farming and create jobs for Nigerian youths rather than supporting foreign economies like Thailand and India.
“Invest in legitimate business in Nigeria because we will not allow smuggling to thrive in this country,” he said.
