The Nigerian Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in Rivers State said its officials have seized twelve 40-foot containers of medicine illegally imported into the country with a duty paid value of N20.309bn.

This is as the Command said it generated N634bn in 2024 surpassing the N618bn revenue target it was given at the beginning of the year.

The Customs Area Comptroller, Area 2 Command, Mohammed Babandede, disclosed this during a news briefing as part of its end-of-year activities in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday.

Babandede said since his last engagement with the media on November 11, 2024, the command has recorded more successes in the ongoing battle against smuggling and illicit trade, pointing out that the tempo would be sustained in 2025.

He stated, “Our vigilant officers and men have successfully intercepted and seized an additional 12 containers (40 feet) of illicit medicine. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health, ensuring the security of our nation, and compliance with Nigeria’s import regulations.

“This also justifies our commitment to trade facilitation, transparency, effective and efficient service delivery.”

Giving a breakdown, Babandede said the seizures include “1,721,100 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine, 510,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,100,000 tablets of 225mg Royal apple Tramadol and Tramaking, 3,461 pieces of Sanitary ware fittings used for concealment, 840 pieces of Chilly cutter used for concealment, 153 cartons of TVS rubber.’

“The Duty paid Value of the 12 containers is N20,309,890,800. The latest seizure underscores the passion and diligence of the officers and men of the Onne Command in ensuring that illicit drugs and other harmful goods do not find their way into our country through our area of responsibility.

“Our efforts are geared toward securing the health and safety of our citizens while upholding the integrity of entry points into the country through the Onne port axis.”

He appreciated the continued support and collaboration of all stakeholders, including the media in amplifying the message of the NCS and its efforts to combat smuggling, saying, “Together, we can build a safer and healthier nation.”

Babandede noted that the morale and dedication of officers of the command have been significantly bolstered by the Comptroller-General of Customs’ award, recognising Area 2 Command as the best Command in anti-smuggling operations.

He added, “This honour has further strengthened our resolve, and I assure you that we will not relent in performing our duties to protect the lives and well-being of Nigerians. In the recently released 2024 promotion for General Duty/Support Staff for officers and men of the Service, the Area 2 Command got some officers promoted as well.

“A total of 14 Deputy Comptrollers were elevated to the rank of Comptroller. A total of six Assistant Comptrollers were elevated to the rank of Deputy Comptrollers and 17 Chief Superintendent of Customs were elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptrollers, among others.

“Let me use this opportunity to especially appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, who in September this year promised to reward officers and men of the Command for the role they played in the Interception of 844 units of riffles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition.

“In keeping to his promise a total of eight officers of the Command were given special promotion. Earlier in the year the Command was given a revenue target of N618bn. I am glad to inform you that as of this morning the Command with the aid of stakeholder engagement, synergy, collaboration, and intelligence sharing, has surpassed the target given by generating a total revenue of N634bn which accounts for 103 per cent of the annual target.”

He said the amount exceeded the 2023 collection by N321bn and was 98 per cent increase over the 2023 generated revenue.

Commenting on anti-smuggling within the year under review, Babandede said the Command made a total of 76 container seizures comprising of arms, ammunition, illicit medicine, vegetable oil, foot wares, donkey skin, used clothes among others uncustomed goods used as concealment with duty paid value of N150,872,551,207.

“In export, the major commodities exported through this axis comprises of agro and mineral resources namely: sesame seeds, aluminum ingot, granular urea in bulk, wheat bran, orange peel among others, and a total of 2,707,339.22 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board value of $952,986,490,99 which is equivalent to N1,261,039,933,168.99 was processed through the Command this year.

“These are just a few of the results achieved with purposeful engagement of our stakeholders and partners this year. We look forward to a more result-oriented 2025,” he added.

Meanwhile, the command handed starter packs comprising grinding machines, sewing machines, and food items to orphanages, widows of deceased customs officers, and some members of their host community as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.