The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, has made significant interceptions, including combat drones, military hardware, and counterfeit currency. Customs Area Controller, Compt. Charles Orbih, shared these details during a press briefing on the command’s activities in 2023.
According to Compt. Orbih, the combat-ready drone, equipped with first aid box space and the ability to carry weapons, was intercepted. Additionally, 154 drones were either seized or detained by the command. Notably, these drones lacked the required End User Certificate (EUC) from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and exceeded the specifications allowed into the country.
Orbih highlighted the concerning features of the combat drone, stating, “It can fly for over 70 hours and has space for weapon handling. This can be used as a weapon of war, and it lacks the EUC from the National Security Adviser (NSA).”
In the press briefing, Compt. Orbih reported that the NCS, MMIA Command, exceeded its revenue target in 2023, generating N30.5 billion from January to December. This figure surpassed the target revenue by five percent and represented a 46% increase compared to the revenue collected in the corresponding year of 2022, which was N20.89 billion.
Providing a breakdown of the seized items, he mentioned that the command made 125 seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N801.56 million for the year 2023. The intercepted goods included 89 seized drones, 66 detained drones, 330 military and other security wares, 700 rolls of cigarettes, 126 walkie-talkies and their accessories, 87 pieces of artifacts and antiquities, and 22 pieces of elephant tusks.
Additionally, the command discovered $10,000 counterfeit notes, which have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), along with $8,800 concealed in an album.
The Customs Area Controller emphasized the command’s commitment to enforcing regulations and protecting the nation from the influx of illegal and harmful items.
