The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted fake $18,800, artifacts, antiquities, and bags of precious stones at Murtala Mohammed International Airport
Custom Area Controller, Charles Orbih, revealed details while giving details of its activities in 2023 to newsmen.
He said its activities encompassed 125 seizures valued at N801 million, aligning with Section 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Seized items ranged from military wares, walkie talkies, and drones to cigarettes, elephant tusks, and ladies’ footwear.
He noted that three suspects were involved in the illegal import and have been arrested as investigation continues.
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Orbih disclosed that the command surpassed its revenue target, generating N30.5 billion in 2023—a 5% increase from the N29.1 billion target and a notable 46% rise from 2022’s N20.9 billion. Notably, the command consecutively exceeded monthly targets from September to December, achieving a historic N4.7 billion in December.
Despite the successes, Orbih emphasized continuous improvement in operations, prioritizing legitimate trade without compromising security. He warned potential economic saboteurs and expressed gratitude for the collaborative synergy between Customs and other government agencies at the airport, enhancing the command’s efficiency in fulfilling its core mandate.
