Western Marine Command Seizes ₦582.2m Worth of Contraband, Decorates 36 Officers Amid Anti-Smuggling Drive
Kathy Kyari
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted contraband worth ₦582.2 million while also decorating 36 newly promoted officers, in a dual stride underscoring both operational success and staff development.
The Area Controller, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday, where he highlighted the Command’s recent anti-smuggling breakthroughs alongside reforms in security, infrastructure, and staff welfare since he assumed office two months ago.
He revealed that the Command seized 86 sacks of stolen ammonium sulphate and polypropylene worth ₦4.5 million. The substance, commonly used in making explosives and in fertilizer production, was reportedly stolen from a boat en route to a fertilizer plant before it was intercepted on the waterways.
Other seizures include 1,312 loaves of foreign cannabis sativa with a duty-paid value of ₦232.8 million, 1,827 bags of foreign parboiled rice worth ₦204.6 million, 174 sacks of ammonium sulphate valued at ₦15.6 million, and 42 kegs of PMS valued at ₦1.94 million. The Command also seized 14 boat engines worth ₦73.3 million, 11 fibre boats valued at ₦46.2 million, and three wooden boats worth ₦3.15 million.
Highlighting broader reforms under his leadership, Comptroller Ntadi said the Command has undertaken infrastructure upgrades, security enhancements, welfare improvements, and intensified anti-smuggling operations.
Ntadi explained that security was reinforced after hoodlums were evacuated from areas outside the perimeter fence, while a new security post was built at the Command gate. He also revealed the installation of a large signpost to strengthen the Command’s identity, alongside Greenfield landscaping to improve its professional outlook.
“To boost operations,” Ntadi said, “we refurbished two patrol vehicles to enhance land-side logistics and crew efficiency.”
On staff welfare, he noted that modern toilet facilities and a canteen had been provided to improve morale and working conditions.
“These initiatives align with the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. The Command is now better equipped to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and combat illicit trade,” he emphasized.
The Comptroller expressed gratitude to the CGC, the management team, officers, and partner security agencies for their support and commitment.
The event also featured the decoration of 28 senior officers and 8 junior officers, including the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Okopi. Comptroller Ntadi charged the newly promoted personnel “to uphold professionalism and integrity in their new roles.”
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