Customs intercepts smuggled cars worth 200m in Lagos

From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

Officers of the Nigerian Custom Service Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja-Lagos yesterday said it intercepts 22 new cars smuggled into the country on Sunday.

 Controller Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja-Lagos, D/C Turaki Usman Adamu in a press conference yesterday said the 22 exotic cars worth about 200 Millon.  Adamu said the arrest followed the renewed vigour and determination of the zone to  up the ante in anti-smuggling.

He said 22 brand new vehicles, comprises  19 Toyota Hilux pickups, two  Izuzu-DMAX Jeeps and one  Toyota Land Cruiser GRX 2014 model, valued at N186,474,128.00 were intercepted along Ikoyi/Victoria Island area of Lagos.

 Adamu  disclosed that the Seizure was as a result of intelligence gathering which necessitated laying of ambush by the FOU ‘A’ operatives. He pointed out that FOU ‘A’ operatives trailed the vehicles from an unapproved route but could not intercept them there because of the possibility of recording casualties. He stated that as professionals with the requisite training and competence, the Unit could not afford to embark on aggressive confrontation with the smugglers particularly in densely populated areas, hence the need to trail them to a safe place. He stated “despite these precautionary measures, the smugglers engaged our operatives in a gun duel, but were over powered by the superior fire powers of our operatives but interestingly there were no casualties”.

Further, he informed the media that the interception was effected by a Patrol Team headed by A/C Adamu Mohammed and led by S/C Abdullahi, comprising other officers/men of the Unit.

The Controller attributed the Seizure to the dexterity, resilience, commitment and dedication of all officers/men of the Unit, particularly the seizing officers.

Recall that in his maiden briefing after one month in office, the Controller vowed to re-activate and re-awaken the Unit as a hub and flagship of anti-smuggling in the country. Shortly after taking over 6 weeks ago, the Controller has put operational modalities and frame work in place to ensure a very proactive approach to smuggling activities.