The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, says it has stepped up its operational capacity with improved security architecture, welfare facilities, and strategic seizures worth over ₦582 million within the last five months.
Addressing newsmen at a press briefing in Apapa on Thursday, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller PN Ntadi, said the developments reflect the Service’s renewed drive to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain in line with the mandate of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR, dsm, fnipr, psc+).
Ntadi disclosed that the Command had carried out a successful evacuation exercise to reclaim an area outside its perimeter fence that had long been taken over by hoodlums. He added that a newly built security post now serves as the first line of defense at the Command’s gate.
“To give the Command a professional identity, we constructed a befitting signpost with Greenfield landscaping, projecting Western Marine as Nigeria’s premier Marine Command,” he said.
The Command also refurbished two patrol vehicles, while welfare improvements such as a modern canteen and new toilet facilities were provided to boost staff morale.
On anti-smuggling operations,
Comptroller Ntadi announced seizures of:
1,827 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice valued at ₦127.8 million
174 sacks of Ammonium Sulphate and 86 sacks of Polypropylene (PP) valued at ₦4.3 million
17 sacks of Cannabis Sativa containing 1,312 loaves, estimated at ₦168.6 million
42 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) (50 litres each) valued at ₦1.94 million (auctioned)
Engines of various capacities (200HP, 60HP, 40HP, and 25HP)
11 locally made fibre boats and 3 wooden boats.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures stood at ₦582.2 million.
“These seizures are not just figures on paper; they represent concrete steps in protecting our economy, safeguarding public health, and deterring illicit trade,” Ntadi stressed.
While acknowledging persistent challenges in policing Nigeria’s vast maritime borders, the CAC assured stakeholders that Western Marine Command remains committed to sustaining its gains.
“With improved infrastructure, renewed morale, and the continued support of stakeholders, we are better positioned than ever to deliver on our mandate,” he said.
He added that the Command would continue to operate with resilience, professionalism, and renewed capacity to secure Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The seized hard drugs were duly handed over to the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency NDLEA.
Receiving the drugs, Assistant Controller General Narcotics commander, strategic command Apapa.
Obadiah Buba Wakawa,praised Comptroller Ntadi and his men for the massive seizures.He said he is particularly impressed with the track record of the Western Marine Controller ,and noted that he has been following his exceptional performance in the fight against importation of illicit and dangerous drugs.
He highlighted the dangers posed by these drugs ,describing it as “dangerous and harmful”
” Imagine if these drugs had found their way into the society, you can imagine the harm they woul have done to the nation” he said.
He praised the synergy and collaboration between the NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service.
36 Officers were decorated, 28 senior officers while 8 were junior officers.
Among those decorated includes Chief Superintendent of Customs CSC Okopi, Public Relations Officer of the command
Comptroller Patrick Ntadi told the newly promoted officers to up-hold integrity ,diligence and commitment to duty as their watch word , adding that to whom much is given much is expected.
He reminded the promoted officers that promotion is a call to greater responsibility, and admonished them to live up to the confidence reposed on them by the Service.
He therefore appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm, fnipr, psc+ and the management team for their support, as well as to the officers, men, and our partners in security agencies who work tirelessly to protect our waters..
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