The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Oyo/Osun Area Command has announced the interception of a large shipment of substandard, used tires. According to Customs Area Controller Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the seizure occurred in the early hours of Monday, August 12, 2024, along the Saki axis in Oyo State.
A statement by Command Public Relations Officer, Kayode Wey, said that the seizure is part of the Command’s ongoing efforts to curtail the smuggling of prohibited items into the country, thereby protecting public safety and promoting the integrity of the Nigerian economy.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Oyo/Osun Area Command under the leadership of Dr. Ben Oramalugo PhD FCIA FNIM has successfully intercepted and seized a large consignment of used tyres.
“The operation, which took place during the late hours of Monday 12th August 2024 at about 2145hrs along the Saki axis of Oyo State, resulted in the seizure of 2,290 pieces of used tyres concealed within a DAF truck.
“The seizure is part of the Command’s ongoing efforts to curtail the smuggling of prohibited items into the country, thereby protecting public safety and promoting the integrity of the Nigerian economy.”
Speaking on the seizure, Dr. Oramalugo explained that importation and smuggling of used tyres into the country is illegal has it poses significant risks to public safety due to its worn-out nature which makes it unsafe for use on our roads.
He mentioned that the successful interception of the items is a testament to the vigilance and dedication of Command officers, who work tirelessly to prevent the smuggling of substandard and prohibited goods into and within Nigeria.
“The used tyres were discovered during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by one of the numerous anti-smuggling teams of the Command. Upon inspection, the tyres were found hidden within a DAF truck in an attempt to evade detection by law enforcement officers.
“This seizure highlights the importance of the Command’s continuous surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts. The Command is committed to ensuring that only legitimate goods are allowed entry into our country, and will continue to strengthen its operations to combat smuggling activities across all fronts.”
The Oyo/Osun customs boss also used the occasion to sternly warn smugglers as well as those involved in the illegal trade of prohibited items to desist as he reiterated that the area command will not relent in its efforts to bring offenders to justice and safeguard the nation’s borders.
He added that “The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command, remains resolute in its mission to protect the Nigerian public from the dangers of substandard/smuggled goods and will continue to work closely with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure the effective enforcement of customs regulations.
“I urge members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to smuggling in a bid to assist the Command in combating smuggling and protect public safety”, he said.
