CG of Customs Issues Letter Of Commendation To 11 Western Marine Officers Over N1.02b Cannabis Seizure

On Oct 9, 2020

Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), has honoured eleven officers and men of the Western Marine Command with a “Commendation Letter “for their sterling performance on the single seizure of cannabis record in April 2020, estimated at N1.02 billion.

Recall that on the 21st of April 2020, operatives of the beachcombing arm of customs seized over 10 tonnes of cannabis sativa estimated at the above figure , which happened to be the biggest catch of a single operation in the history of the service at sea.

The said marijuana were destroyed on the 26 June 2020 at Falola Beach in Badagry West Local Government Area.

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The eleven officials of the Western Marine Command,Nigeria Customs Service along with the Area Controller, Olugboyega Peter’s in a group photograph at the command on Friday in Lagos.

Speaking during the presentation of letters to the gallant personnel in Lagos on Friday, Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Olugboyega Peters said the seizing officers act have demonstrated zero tolerance to corruption and other vices in line with the Policy Thrust of the present administration.

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Peters noted that the outstanding performance of the officers/men involved in the seizure has been recognized by the CGC Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.) together with his management team by giving each of them a commendation letter.

Peters stated that having applied all extant laws and most
importantly a court order , condemning the marijuana was secured.

Controller Olugboyega Peters in a chat with newsmen during the presentation of Letter of Commendation to eleven officers

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He pointed out that the commendations would serve as a morale booster to the seizing officers and also as encouragement to other personnel of the Western Marine Command.

According to the commendation letter, Ali wrote : ” I write to commend your efforts in exercising due diligence on the interception, arrest and seizure of 10,020.50kg ( over 10 tons) cannabis sativa (marijuana) which happens to be the biggest catch of a single item ever seized in the history of Nigeria Customs Service on high sea.

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“By this act, you have demonstrated zero tolerance to corruption and other vices in line with the policy thrust of this administration. I therefore enjoin you not to Relent on your efforts and implore you to remain focused.

“I am therefore, through this letter, conveying my commendation and indeed that of the entire management of the service to you on this laudable feat. Once again accept my commendation” Ali wrote.

Peters added that the feat has also attracted International accolades from the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) that has expressed support for the fight against maritime crimes with donation of tele conferencing equipment.

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The honoured officers include: Chief Superintendant of Customs and OC Idi roko, T.H Baba, Deputy Superintendant of Customs , Emmanuel Tangwa, Deputy Superintendant of Customs TD Ogundipe, Assistant Superintendant of Customs Isah Sulaiman, Assistant Superintendant of Customs ll S. Dauda, Assistant Superintendent of Customs ll NN Udo, Assistant Superintendent of Customs ME Okauru, Assistant Superintendent of Customs S. Dimka , Inspector of Customs Mohammed YK, Customs Assistant l Lawal R and Customs Assistant Akanni M.

In a related development the customs boss noted that the command intercepted items worth N18.89million between July and September 2020 .

The items include: Foreign rice, vegetable oil,new women slippers, PMS, second hand shoes , beauty products and fertilizer.

By Roland Ekama