The Acting Controller of Ogun Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu on Monday, said that the recalcitrant smugglers operating around the border communities in the state have suffered loss of at least N1.5bn worth of goods seized by the command between this year January and September.
Shuaibu who lamented this huge loss said that assuming such amount were spent on legitimate trade, it would have improved the economy of the border communities and the nation at large.
The Customs boss has equally called on stakeholders, particularly youths of the border communities to join force with the command in the enlightenment campaigns aimed at overcoming the menace of smuggling in the area.
Represented by Deputy Comptroller, Charles Ogunesan, Shuaibu made this disclosure while speaking at Idiroko Border in Ipokia Local Government Area during the 5th annual symposium organised by the Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum (IPYF) to mark the Nigeria's Independence Day celebration.
Speaking at the annual programme with the theme ""Smuggling and Hoarding of Petroleum Products: Effects On Border Communities And National Security", the Customs boss lamented the ceaseless attacks on NCS anti-smuggling operatives which he said had claimed many lives of the officers and left others with permanent disabilities.
He disclosed that the command had over the years, recorded several attacks ranging from blocking of access roads, mob action, and altercation with smugglers and their sympathisers often resulted in lost of lives.
"Over the years, the Command had recorded series of horrible and unwanted
experiences in our line of lawful duties. We have lost scores of officers to death and permanent disability while our dear communities had also lost many of their members to the evil of this unfortunate demon called smuggling. It is high time we say no to smuggling considering the dangers inherent in it".
He emphasized that youths involvement in the anti-smuggling crusade will also go a long way at reducing the rate of avoidable deaths which the host border communities too have had to live with "due to the evil of this unfortunate demon called smuggling".
"It is high time we say no to smugglings considering the dangers inherent in it. It retards our economic development, hampers our social well-being and endangers our national security. I want you to know that the security and development of our dear nation are the responsibility of us all".
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