Western Marine Command Highlights Remarkable Achievements, Records N582.2M Seizures of Contrabands
Bisi Akingbade
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Command, NCS, has reeled out its remarkable achievements in advancing it's operational capacity, infrastructure, and security architecture in line with the Nigeria Customs Service's mandate.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller PN Ntadi during a press briefing at the command highlighted that the command has worked tirelessly to transform itself into a developments and achievements with model of preparedness and excellence.
His words: Distinguished members of the press, Officers and Men, ladies and gentlemen, Good Morning, It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you to this second edition of briefing since I assumed office Today, we gather to highlight the remarkable strides that Western Marine Command has made in advancing its operational capacity, infrastructure, and security architecture in line with the Nigeria Customs Service's mandate.
"Over the past few months, I assumed office as the Customs Area Controller of this command, the Command has worked tirelessly to transform itself into a developments and achievements: model of preparedness and excellence. I am pleased to announce the following
Enhanced Security Infrastructure: "The Command carried out an evacuation exercise to reclaim the area that had been taking over by hoodlums outside the perimeter fence of the facility. This was a herculean task considering the years the hoodlums had existed in the place. Complimenting this action is the newly built security post at the Command gate, which now stands as a first line of security check.
Comptroller Ntadi stated that the command identity and symbolism at the very entrance of the Command was constructed, with a large signpost and Greenfield landscaping, that give the Command a befitting identity and professional look to further reinforce our heritage as Nigeria's premier Marine Command.
In order to understand that a well-motivated workforce is key to operational success, the command provided a more befitting toilet facility and a modern canteen within the Command. He said these welfare improvements are designed to boost morale and improve the working environment for officers and men.
He revealed that the Command seized 86 sacks of stolen ammonium sulphate and polypropylene worth ₦4.5 million. The substance, commonly used in making explosives and in fertilizer production, was reportedly stolen from a boat en route to a fertilizer plant before it was intercepted on the waterways.
Other seizures includes 1,312 loaves of foreign cannabis sativa with a duty-paid value of ₦232.8 million, 1,827 bags of foreign parboiled rice worth ₦204.6 million, 174 sacks of ammonium sulphate valued at ₦15.6 million, and 42 kegs of PMS valued at ₦1.94 million. The Command also seized 14 boat engines worth ₦73.3 million, 11 fibre boats valued at ₦46.2 million, and three wooden boats worth ₦3.15 million.
He said "In line with our core mandate of enforcing compliance and combating smuggling, the Command has recorded remarkable seizures. These include consignments of foreign parboiled rice, Cannabis Sativa, and the recovery of stolen Ammonium Sulphate and Polypropylene (PP). These seizures represent significant steps in protecting our economy, safeguarding public health, and deterring illicit trade.
Comptroller Ntadi noted that regardless of the milestones, the command remain conscious of its challenges "As we unveil these milestones, we remain conscious of the challenges ahead However, with improved infrastructure, renewed morale, and the continued support of stakeholders, Western Marine Command is better positioned than ever before to deliver on its mandate.
He therefore appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm, fnipr, psc+ and the management team for their support, as well as to the officers, men, and our partners in security agencies who work tirelessly to protect our waters.
"Western Marine Command is moving forward with resilience, professionalism, and renewed capacity. Together, we will continue to secure our maritime borders for the prosperity and safety of our nation." He stated.
