The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a significant revenue milestone for August: collecting N277.5 billion in import duties. The NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, revealed this achievement during a press briefing organized by the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) in Abuja.
In addition to the import duties, the NCS collected N15.8 billion in excise duties, reflecting its continued efforts to maximize revenue generation. As part of its anti-smuggling operations, the service conducted 83 seizures across multiple commands, including over 1,000 parcels of cannabis sativa, 23 vehicles, and other contraband items, amounting to a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N975 million.
Maiwada highlighted the intensification of “Operation Whirlwind,” targeting petroleum smuggling in border states. This operation led to the interception of seven trucks carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), the closure of 12 retail outlets, and the seizure of 466,000 liters of PMS and 23 vehicles. Investigations have resulted in the prosecution of seven suspects, while three marketers were fined by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Sealed filling stations have been handed over for further action.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force also addressed national security concerns during the briefing. Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi strongly warned against backdating firearm licenses to evade the ban on firearms, declaring such actions fraudulent and illegal. The police vowed to take decisive action against individuals possessing illegal firearms.
Adejobi also disclosed the arrest of 97 members of the proscribed Shiite group following a confrontation that led to the deaths of two police officers. He reiterated that any attacks on security personnel performing their duties will be met with strict consequences.