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Insecurity: “Our Uniform Does Not Make Us Different From Other Nigerians” – Brig-Gen Oyekola, As LAHA Pledges Collaboration To Tackle Insecurity

September 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has pledged their support for the Nigerian Army in addressing the spate of insecurity in the country.

The Speaker of the House, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa stated that collaboration is targeted at sustaining the peace experienced in the State.

Obasa gave the assurance on Thursday when he received Brigadier General Olawale Matthew Oyekola, 48th Commander of the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, who visited the House of Assembly with his team.

According to the Speaker, the State’s legislature with 40 Lawmakers, is committed to ensuring peace and stability in all the local government areas of Lagos and welcomes every support from the right quarters in this regard.

“I want to assure you of our total support. Our arms are wide open. When you need us, all you have to do is just call on us. We are at the House of Assembly to protect the people’s interests, their rights and ensure they do what they are supposed to do.

“We love peace in Lagos, which you can call a mini-Nigeria. And with your coming, we hope to sustain the peace we have in the State.

“Our interest is to prosper Lagos economically, socio-politically and in infrastructure,” the Speaker said while commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his policies that have kept the State growing.

He, however, used the opportunity to hail men of the military who, he described as gallant, for their dedication and loyalty to Nigeria. He specially commended the military men tackling insecurities in some parts of the country, particularly in the Northeast.

Brigadier General Oyekola said he was in the House to associate with the representatives of the people of Lagos who he and his men are mandated to protect.

Noting that he was returning to Lagos 20 years after he left the State, he said Lagos is peaceful and that this status needed to be sustained.

He solicited the support of Lagosians for the Army, which he called the third layer of protection with the Nigeria Police Force as the first layer.

“Wearing this uniform does not make us different from the people. We are first civilians before becoming men in uniforms,” he said.

General Oyekola resumed at the Brigade’s Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos on August 21, 2024 after previously serving as Chief of Staff at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI.

Ekiti’s Governor Oyebanji Strengthens Regional Security Collaboration, Hosts Security Advisers SW, Kogi States

Ayodele Oni

September 5, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

In an effort to stem the rising trans-border insecurity, Ekiti state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday hosted a meeting of special advisers on security from Ekiti, Ondo, Kogi, Kwara, and Osun States.

The initiative aims at strengthening the security architecture of the states, which share boundaries and ensuring the protection of lives and properties within their borders.

The meeting was chaired by the Special Adviser on Security to Ekiti State Governor, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd).

Attendees included Mr. Olugbenga Atiba, Senior Special Assistant on Security, Ondo State; Commander Jerry Omodara, Kogi State; Brigadier Samuel Ojo (Rtd.), Osun State; and Brigadier General S.T. Bello, Kwara State, with Dr Adetunberu Oludotun, Director General Jomeland Security, Ekiti State as Secretary.

In his remarks, Gen. Ogundana emphasized that the meeting was convened at the directive of Governor Oyebanji in response to rising trans-border insecurity.

He highlighted the importance of collaboration among the neighboring states, particularly in tackling inter-border crimes, where criminals evade prosecution by crossing state lines.

Ogundana stressed that intelligence-sharing would be key in controlling such criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents.

The security chief stated further that the inaugural meeting marked the beginning of massive collaboration among the states, adding that future meetings would involve local governments in the border areas in order to enhance cooperation among security personnel.

He also noted that security efforts were being intensified across Ekiti, including farm settlements, to encourage farmers to return to their businesses without fear to enhance food security.

According to Ogundana, We are committed to ensuring peace across Ekiti State and in all our neighboring states,”stressing that improved security climate is a driver for increased investment, particularly in the agricultural sector.

“Without adequate security, there will be no investment, and we have seen big-time agro investors showing interest in Ekiti.”

Ogundana also addressed the recent food insecurity challenges, expressing hope that such issues would not recur this year due to proactive measures taken by the state, including resolving disputes between herdsmen and farmers.

He urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear of being kidnapped, reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and ensuring a conducive environment for investors.

The meeting is set to continue periodically, with further discussions held virtually as needed, to stay ahead of potential security threats.

At Maiden Sitting, Kano #EndBadGovernance Panel, Promises To Expose Enablers Of Violence, Arson, Destruction

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 5, 2024

Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano Sfate

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry instituted by the Kano State Government, to look into cases of breach of peace and destruction of properties during the #EndBadGovernance protest, has promised to be guided strictly by the ethos of justice and equity.

At a media briefing in Kano on Thursday, September 5, 2024, Chairman of the Commission, Justice Lawan Mohmoud, rtd, said the panel will thoroughly investigate and find out individuals, group of persons or institutions directly or indirectly responsible for the gross misconducts, including their respective roles during the nationwide protest.

The Source reports that the 10-day long protest was hugely characterized by wanton looting, destruction, and arson, particularly, on days one and two in the Commercial hub of Northern region.

Following the large scale violence ,and killings the authorities, last week, inaugurated a 14-man panel of inquiry to unravel the circumstances that precipitated the ugly situation.

Besides, Justice Mohmoud also said the Commission will want to establish the parts played by some persons in the build-up to the violent dimensions of the otherwise planned peaceful protest.

The Chairman noted that the Commission will be highly receptive of public contributions through the submission of both written and oral memoranda.

“While the Commission of Inquiry will do its best to deliver the task bestowed upon its shoulders by the Government, I hasten to indicate that we will leave our doors open to the general public for submission of both oral and written memoranda that will guide in the discharge of our assignment.

“We, therefore, appeal to the general public to be bold enough and support the Commission with relevant evidence and facts that will assist towards preparing our reports, including far-reaching recommendations that will forestall the re-occurrence of such incidents in the future.

“I am calling on the Media to be objective and fair in reporting the Commission’s proceedings, and where there is ambiguity, please do not hesitate to contact the leadership of the Commission for clarification before before going to the press to avoid preempting the Judicial Commission’s proceedings”, the Chairman stated.

Justice Mohmoud pledged the Commission’s commitment to be fair in the conduct of its assignment, and noted that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has assured not to interfere with the work of the panel.

“This, I believe, is quite inspiring and signals full autonomy of the Commission, which would, no doubt, translate to excellent and objective outcome of the assignment.

“Let me conclude by stating that the Terms of Reference given to the Judicial Commission will be its guiding light which include to establish the remote and immediate causes of the first week of August 2024 breach of peace, wanton destruction of public and private properties, looting, arson and killings.

“Identify individuals, groups of persons and/or institutions directly or indirectly responsible for the unrest, and their roles and participation in the unrest and make appropriate recommendation”, Justice Mohmoud noted.

Trafficking Of Nigerian Teenage Girls To Ghana: Anambra Police Arrests Prime Suspect

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 5, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Command on Thursday, September 5, 2024, said it has nabbed a prime suspect in the notorious, but lucrative, venture of human trafficking to neighouring African Countries, particularly Ghana.

The Source reports that of recent, many young Nigerian girls, and even teens, mostly from the South East and South South regions ,have been ferried to Ghana and other countries for either child labour, and/or as commercial s*x workers.

Only recently t,the Imo state Government, took steps to coordinate the rescue and safe return of a number of its young ones enslaved in Ghana by some members of human trafficking cartels.

A statement issued by the Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, in the face of the growing trend of human trafficking in the State, has issued a marching order for operatives to halt the ugly situation.

Ikenga informed that some of the victims of the arrested suspect who were earlier trafficked to Ghana have been returned to Nigeria.

He stated that most of the victims were under-aged persons whose ages range between 13 and 16 years.

According to Ikenga, concerted efforts are ongoing to smoke out the rest of the members of the trafficking cartel.

“The Suspect is currently undergoing interrogation with the Police. This will help in rescuing other victims and also track down other gang members” the police spokesman stated.

The arrest of the prime suspect, he said, followed several reported cases of missing persons mostly teenagers in the State in recent times .

He further stated that the state Commissioner of Police, has charged personnel to go all out and fish out those behind the disturbing surge in human trafficking in the State.

Abductors Kill Christiana Idowu After Collecting Ransom, Colleague Fingered

Akinwale Kasali

September 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The call on Security Agents to unravel the perpetrators of the murder of Christiana Idowu, a 300 Level undergraduate of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, had Intensified.

The late Christiana Idowu was kidnapped between Ikorodu and Yaba in Lagos State. Her abductors demanded a ransom for her release.

On the day of her kidnap, Christiana was said to have left her home in the Itaoluwo area of Ikorodu, Lagos to the University of Lagos, UNILAG, in Yaba area of the State where she was undergoing her industrial training when she was abducted.

It was gathered that her disappearance led to panic and fear within the family, leading to a frantic search for her.

Ibrahim Adeyemi, President of the Student Union Government at FUNAAB, confirmed that Christiana was kidnapped and was killed by her abductors.

Adeyemi said: “The Union can confirm that she was reportedly killed by her abductor. We will be addressing the matter soon.”

According to family sources, on August 26, her abductors got across to her parents and demanded for a sum of N3 million as ransom before her release.

The source added that after several appeals by the family, her abductors agreed that a sum of N350,000 be paid to a certain account, which the family paid, but the abductors refused to release her until she was murdered.

In a now-viral post on X, a user named @letter_to_jack shared that intelligence agents were able to track down the abductor using the BVN and bank account information associated with the ransom payments made by the family.

The tweet read, “On the 19th of August 2024, Christianah Idowu was declared missing after her parents were contacted by her abductors using her own WhatsApp contact.

“The first contact with the parents was established around 8:49 pm after which they sent photos of the victim in captivity to them using the WhatsApp ‘view once’ feature.

“The abductors requested a ransom fee of N1,500,000. Christianah’s parents raised N350,000 immediately. The abductor then requested that the money be sent to a bet account through a bank deposit channel. (Info reserved for now)

“After receiving the money, on the 22nd of August, the abductor requested that the bank statement of the sender be forwarded to his email (withheld).

“On the 23rd of August, the family complied. Immediately. After that, the abductor stopped communicating with the parents.

“Meanwhile, on the 22nd of August, some amount was sent to the GTB account of Christianah and the amount was then withdrawn into the Wema bank account belonging to the main suspect ( Name withheld for now).

“Investigation by intelligence operatives began on the 26th to unravel details of the account number.

“By the 29th, intelligence operatives had confirmation from the bank that the BVN linked to the masked Betting account allegedly belonged to the account owner (name withheld for now) who also operates the Wema Bank (account no withheld for now).

“Further investigation revealed that he was able to withdraw the sum of 100,000 from the betting account before agents got the bet company to lock the account.

“Armed by this information, operatives began an investigation into the suspect whom they observed to have a mutual relationship with Christianah Idowu, especially judging by Instagram posts as they both commented on each other’s pages.

“The crazy thing is: the same account number used to launder some amount directly from Christianah’s account has been posted on Twitter once to “beg for a give away free money.

“With all this information at hand, the operatives began to track down his cell phone activities and text messages. The cell phone tracking led them to his parent’s house, somewhere in IKORODU.

“Operatives then got confirmation of his presence in the building through active tracking of his mobile device. Immediately, gallant personnel of the Nigerian Army 174bn swooped in on the suspect to conduct an arrest.

“After the arrest, damning evidence was seen with the suspect and this includes the victim’s blue ITEL A56 with IMEI:35230.

“Also, in his phone are details of the money moved and also details confirming he owns the Betting account that was locked. It was registered with his phone number.

“On his phone, they found an interaction between his email and the email address that has been interacting with the family of the deceased.

“After reviewing the evidence, the suspect was then taken into custody to enable the operatives to conduct further investigations. Upon reviewing this evidence, the suspect was successfully taken into custody for necessary action.

“On September 3, the suspect reportedly confessed to the father and the soldiers that he killed the girl and buried her in their house.

“There is also a new story awaiting further confirmation that in 2018, the suspect’s ex-girlfriend was killed in the same manner.

Also in 2020, the suspect’s biological sister met the same fate, and the same thing happened to Christianah in 2024.”

The horrifying incident has ignited widespread outrage across Nigeria, especially on social media, as many Nigerians have taken to X to demand justice for Christiana, with the hashtag #JusticeForChristianah trending.

Edwin Clark Calls For Wike’s Arrest, Prosecution

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 5, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Elder Statesman and prominent Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has called on the Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun to immediately arrest and prosecute Nyesom Wike ,the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister over his incendiary and inflammatory utterances.

The Source reports that Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State last weekend, at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, State Secretariat in Port-Harcourt, threatened to make states which Governors are supporting the move to disrupt his PDP structure in Rivers ungovernable.

Referring specifically to the PDP Governors who have signaled their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the ongoing battle for the soul of the party,Wike vowed to ignite trouble in the home states of those of them that may wish to back his opponents.

The obviously thoughtless outburst has since elicited wide spread condemnation, including from the PDP Governors who described Wike’s statement as irresponsible and reckless.

Addressing the Media in his Asokoro Abuja residence, the one time Federal Commissioner for Information, warned that Wike’s threat to stoke crisis in PDP controlled States in the country should be attended to with all the seriousness it deserves.

Chief Clark noted that the veiled threat is akin to a treasonable offence which should not be dismissed with the wave of the hands.

The elder statesman insisted that besides the security implications, Wike’s incendiary utterances represent a flagrant disrespect and disregard for President Bola Tinubu,who appointed him a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Chief Clark expressed serious concern that Wike’s unguarded utterances are capable of inciting violence, in the country.

He noted that the arrest of Wike by the Police will serve to assuage frayed nerves and also send the signal that no one is above the law.

Ondo Rural Communities Get Solar Lights, Motorable Roads

Ayodele Oni

September 5, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in effort to alleviate suffering of rural communities, has approved installation of 1600 solar-powered light and sinking of 54 boreholes for communities across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Engagement, (Ondo Central), Mr Oluwafemi Fadairo, disclosed this during an interactive session with Ondo State NUJ Correspondents’ chapel at a programme tagged the Platform on Thursday in Akure.

Fadairo, who explained that as part of his work to engage communities on behalf of the governor to identify what what was needed, said he and his other fellow appointees had identified their major needs and submitted the proposal to the governor which he had approved.

Fadairo disclosed that the governor is interested in investing more at the local level as he is also doing at the state because of the neglect of the people at the grassroots over the years.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa is doing well in alleviating the sufferings in the communities. He has been in the saddle of this government not up to a year. I believe his four years will surpass the eight years of some past administrations because he has a listening ear.

“The atmosphere in the state is calm because of his leadership by example. These are the things I have been able to do in the past two months as SSA community for the central.

“The governor also approved for the three SSA working for him in the north, south and central, 54 boreholes across the state to be supervised directly by our office towards the communities highlighted for him.

“He also approved 1600 solar lights across the three senatorial districts, that is the first phase.

The second phase comes when we are through with the first phase.

“We move round interfacing with them, communities and we noticed some common things in their requests like solar lights, good roads for transporting their commodities.

“They need the lights because of criminals that use the bush to perpetrate their work. Ours is to report back to the governor. Last two weeks, the ministry of water resources and my office got the approval for the resuscitation of Owena Dam, and it is ongoing.

“We need to do something so that when we start our campaign, we have what to campaign with, so they wont say they are here again to cajole us to vote for them. These achievements will give them the courage to vote for us.”

Fadairo also used the opportunity to reveal that the governor had also approved 20 km of roads for each local governments in the state.

“The governor has approved construction of 20 km roads in each of the local governments. In the next few weeks a lot of activities will start in terms of road infrastructure in the state.

“I believe that is part of the trust the people should expect from their governor and he has not spent a year and he has shown the will and zeal to deliver to the people if re-elected again.”

BREAKING: LAHA Approves Reordering Of 2024 Budget, Increases Capital Expenditure

Akinwale Kasali

September 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Sequel to a letter dated August 9, 2024, in which Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu was duly informed, the Lagos State House of Assembly has amended the Appropriation Law of 2024 that has a size of N2,267,976,120,869.

The House at plenary on Thursday gave the approval after the Chairman of the Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Lukman Olumoh, presented the report and recommendations of the Committee which were adopted as the resolution of the House.

Though the total budget size remains the same, the recurrent expenditure was reduced from N952,430,566,998 in the original budget to N935,377,028,422 while the capital expenditure was increased from N1,315,545,553,871 to N1,332,599,092,448 following the reordering.

“That a bill for a law to authorise the issuance and appropriation of N935,377,028,422 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for Recurrent Expenditure and N1,332,599,092,448 from the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure thereby totalling a revised budget size of N2,267,976,120,869 for the year ending 31st December, 2024 be passed into law,” the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, announced to his colleagues who unanimously voted in favour.

The Speaker, thereafter, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to forward a clean copy of the bill to the Governor for his assent.

Prior to the passage of the reordered budget, Hon. Olumoh reminded the House that in the letter sent by the Governor, the latter explained that the rationale for the request to redistribute the budget included the need to boost the appropriation to some Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals.

The letter requesting the reordering had also emphasised the need to meet the State Government’s commitments to the residents through the budget.

We Did Not Renovate 25 Boreholes With N1.2bn” – Sokoto State Government

Akinwale Kasali

September 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the criticism which greeted the news that the Sokoto State Government spent a whopping N1.2 Billion to renovate 25 Boreholes the Government has said that nothing could be further from the truth.

Making clarifications, the State Government said the N1.2 billion was spent on drilling new boreholes, not on renovating existing ones.

This clarification comes in response to social media reports quoting the State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, as stating that the amount was used for the renovation of 25 boreholes.

Abubakar Bawa, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor stated in a press statement on Thursday, that the allegation was spread to put the Government in bad state.

Bawa described the reports as a misconception spread by detractors.

He said, “The Sokoto State Government has been made aware of a misconception circulating about its efforts to provide potable drinking water to rural areas through the drilling of boreholes.

“The misinformation claims that the state government spent N1.2 billion renovating boreholes in some areas of Wurno Local Government.

“In reality, the state government, in collaboration with the World Bank under the ACReSAL programme, has drilled 25 solar-powered boreholes in Munki, Marnona, Dinawa, Lugu, and Wurno.

“This also includes perimeter fencing and a 40-kilometre shelter belt, all at the cost of N1.2 billion.

“Contrary to the suggestion that N1.2 billion was spent on renovating boreholes, the amount actually covers the drilling of 25 new solar-powered boreholes and other related projects, not renovations.

“It is important to clarify that no boreholes existed in these areas before this administration.

“This administration initiated these projects to address the long-standing water scarcity in these communities.”

Bawa further explained that the people of Wurno Local Government have long faced severe water shortages, forcing residents to travel long distances for water, which has impacted school enrolment and retention.

“The Ahmed Aliyu administration’s decision to drill solar-powered boreholes in collaboration with the World Bank and the ACReSAL programme aims to alleviate this problem.

“You cannot renovate a project that does not exist. There were no boreholes in these areas before this administration took office.

“These communities have only recently experienced the benefits of boreholes thanks to the efforts of a responsive and dedicated governor.”

He concluded by stating that the purpose of the statement is to correct the record and address the misconceptions propagated by those with ill intentions.

Why FG Declared State Of Emergency In Onne Port

Akinwale Kasali

September 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Onne Sea Port, Rivers State. has become the headquarters of the importation of arms and drugs.

As a result, the Federal Government has declared a state of emergency there.

In what has become a recurring decimal, incidents of importation of dangerous cargo, including arms and ammunition are the order of the day through this port.

To this effect, the Government said it is immediately implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port for the next three months by conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers in the premises.

Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, made this disclosure during a press conference to unveil the seizure of illicit goods by Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne, in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Adeniyi said the recurring incidents pose a threat to national security, adding that the health of citizens at the Onne Port is increasingly being toyed with as the port has become a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo.

Adeniyi stated: “Earlier today, I joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the cause of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the West Africa Container Terminal, Onne.

“As I express delight that trade facilitation is getting traction in Onne Port, I cannot help but call your attention to a grave concern. This has to do with the repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne Port. I appreciate your presence, as we all have a shared responsibility in safeguarding our national security.

“As we are all aware, the policy thrust of Mr President supports the re-energising of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for exports, Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speak to Trade facilitation and economic development.

“It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.”

Continuing, he said, “The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port, coming on the heels of a seizure of a huge cache of arms a couple of months ago.

“It is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts. Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.

“Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command. On display are twelve containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination.

“Seizures on Display: One (1) x 40-feet container: Containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N923,040,000. Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of N4,716,573,846.”

He further stated that three x 40-feet containers containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of N17,432,506,000 were seized.

On other seized items, he said, “Five (5) x 40-feet containers; Containing 892,400 bottles s of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of N8, 128,568,295,90.

These interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering N3I,200,688,142. This operation is not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of our intelligence network and the critical partnerships we maintain with other security agencies.

“I want to emphasise that this is not just a Customs issue, it is a national security concern that affects every Nigerian. We are therefore calling on all patriotic citizens to assist us in this crucial endeavor. We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions.”

While noting that information is key in preventing what he termed ‘a potential catastrophe, the Customs boss said, “Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port.

“For the next three months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a temporary but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity.

“I want to assure the business community and legitimate importers that this measure is not aimed at disrupting lawful trade. Our goal is to create a safer, more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive. We will work to ensure that lawful shipments are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible during this period.

“To those who may be tempted to continue these illegal activities, let me be clear: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in these crimes against our nation.”

He commended officers and men of the Onne Command for their dedication to duty and service to humanity.

Adeniyi said, “These seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items.”

He added, “The illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in accordance with our Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities.

“As we move forward, I want to reiterate our commitment to continuing this momentum. The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will leave no stone unturned in our mission to protect the health and safety of Nigerians.

“We will strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law.”

He assured Nigerians that the NCS would continue to be a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and the illegal importation of harmful goods, saying, “We will remain steadfast in our duties to ensure that our nation remains a safe place for all to thrive.”

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