Federal Operations Zone A seize N18m worth of poultry

Following the re-invigoration of the teams sequel to the transformation ideology of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.), the Controller Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ on assumption of office on 12 January, 2016 have recorded remarkable seizures of smuggled frozen poultry products comprising three thousand, three hundred and twenty eight (3328) cartons valued at N17.9m.

The Controller Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, Comptroller Dahiru Umar, made this disclosure while conducting the media round some of the seized products. He stated categorically that the seizures were affected at different locations within the flanks and flashpoints under the supervisory authority of the unit.

The controller further stated that the unit is working very hard to change its modus operandi to suit the exigencies of the moment and to also ensure that the unit remains on top of the smugglers antics in all ramifications, particularly in terms of enhanced intelligence network.

He disclosed that the renewed onslaught led to the interception of an articulated truck suspected to be used in conveying large quantity of smuggled frozen poultry products which quantity is yet to be determined. The controller described the team leader as a highly committed officer whose contribution to the seizure profile of the unit cannot be quantified.

The controller also showed how smugglers used a truck purportedly for conveying alcoholic beverage to conceal cartons of poultry products, disclosed that two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

He said, “Investigations are ongoing to determine the level of involvement of the suspects before charging them to court and determine the degree of complicity of the truck owners in the unlawful act”.

He said the poultry products will be destroyed after contacting other relevant agencies of Government adding that the command has dug the site for the destruction activity.

He spoke overwhelmingly on the operational readiness of the unit under his command to deal very decisively with smuggling and smugglers in line with the mission and vision of the CGC and management.

The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja has been a thorn in the flesh of smugglers. The smugglers must expect a tougher onslaught on them because we cannot afford to fail in the discharge of our statutory mandate of suppressing smuggling. I have commenced courtesy visits to heads of critical security agencies of the Federal Government so that we can form a formidable front in the fight against smuggling.

“I advice smugglers in this Zone to invest their money in more legitimate businesses and avoid smuggling because the more you smuggle, the more we seize. We also call on the general public to oblige us with useful information on the activities of smugglers”, he added.