Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali, Customs boss

The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service generated N11.1 billion from January to September, an official said on Tuesday in Ibadan.

The Area Controller of the Command, Mr Tolutope Ogunkua, gave the figure while briefing newsmen in Ibadan.

He said that the service made 188 seizures with duty paid value of N369 million during the period under review.

According to him, the seizures were made at different locations in the command’s areas of coverage.

He said that the service resolved to deal decisively with acts that would hinder Federal Government’s revenue drive.

“In the face of the challenging economic situation in the nation, the Nigeria Customs Service has stepped up its operations by blocking all revenue leakages in other to collect maximum duty accruable to the Federal Government,” he said.

Ogunkua said that the service also arrested assorted vehicles smuggled into the country through unapproved border routes.

“It is disheartening to note that despite the arrest and seizure of about 10,000 bags of rice between the months of January and September, smugglers have continued their nefarious activities, daring the Federal Government’s ban on the importation of rice through the border areas.

“However, it is my pleasure to announce to you that we have continued to record victory over them.

“This month alone, the command re-sharpened its intelligence network which led to the seizure of 18 fairly used vehicles,” he said.

Ogunkua said that the command would continue to deal decisively with economic saboteurs and work for the security and wellbeing of the nation. (NAN)