Customs seizes bank’s bullion van with smuggled rice

The Oyo/Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a bullion van belonging to a commercial bank in Nigeria, but used in smuggling rice into the country through the land border.  The bullion van meant for conveyance of bank currency was intercepted by operatives of Oyo/Osun Customs loaded with smuggled rice through a tip off.

 The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Compt. Ogunkua Tope, who disclosed this, displayed the vehicle at the Command’s office in Ibadan , loaded with 50kg bags of rice. According to him, “The interception of a bullion van meant for carrying cash, but used in concealing smuggled imported foreign rice into the country illegally should send a serious signal to recalcitrant saboteurs of the Nigerian economy that there is no hiding place for them, especially as the juletide approahes”.

He went on, “We are determined to beat all their concealment patterns with our superior intelligence network, because the Service has equipped us with necessary work tools and adequate training to curb the menace of smuggling in the region. 

It is worrisome to see that some Nigerians still remain unrepentant, even as they continue to lose. Not even the Federal Government’s visible efforts in transforming the agricultural sector, especially in the area of rice production as well as increase prevalence of expired imported rice with its hazardous health implications have touched their conscience to avoid rice smuggling. 

However, our resolve to deal with them remains unshakened, more so now that the present management has directed thorough investigation with a view to prosecuting all those found connected to this illegal act. I am using this opportunity to appeal to well-meaning members of the public who want to engage in legitimate business to come forward for clarification or visit the Command headquarters for trade facilitation and enquiries.” 

“The recalcitrant ones who still insist on engaging in the illicit business of smuggling should be well advised that they would not escape the long arm of the law, especially as the yuletide approaches. 

You will recall that we had reiterated our resolve to increase the revenue profile of the Command and to tirelessly reduce the incidence of smuggling.

 In keeping to this promise, the Command initiated new anti-smuggling strategies, which led to remarkable exploits seen in the seizures that include  one bullion van loaded with rice, a  fairly used Rover,  one fairly used Toyota Highlander, two fairly used Toyota Camry,  two fairly used Volkwagon, two fairly used Mecedes Truck loaded with rice, two fairly used Nissan Land Rover,  one fairly used Man diesel truck, two fairly used Nissan Urvan loaded with rice, five fairly used Toyota Hiace loaded with rice,    one fairly used Nissan Vannet loaded with smuggled imported rice, two fairly used Toyota Land Cruiser,  one fairly used Mazda 626, one fairly used Honda Accord Saloon,  one fairly used Toyota Duet,one fairly used Lexus GX470,  one fairly used Daihatsu Atrai, one fairly used lite Ace bus, two brand new Land Rover Discovery  truck carrying smuggled brand new Honda Accord, made at different locations within the Command’s area of coverage” - Vanguard .