General
Kano/Jigawa Customs Generates N5.5bn, Seizes N270m Contraband
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Kano/Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated a sum of N5.5 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), expressing optimism that it will surpass the agency’s target for the year.
This was disclosed by the Area Comptroller of the command, Mr Suleiman Pai Umar yesterday while briefing journalists at the Club Road Headquarters of the Command in Kano.
He said that this was possible even as the command continues to clamp down on smuggling activities.
According to Mr Umar, the command seized smuggled items with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N270 million from January to date.
He said the items, which were illegally brought into the country, were seized by his men and officers at different locations within Kano and Jigawa axis.
According to him, the command was able to record such feat as a result of intelligence gathering from the Customs Intelligence Unit, (CIU) and Customs Police.
He added that the Customs also busted a notorious syndicate of exotic cars, who took advantage of porous borders in some northern part of the country to ferry in cars and vehicles illegally.
He further stated that the syndicate operated somewhere around the Hotoro axis of the state capital, adding that following intelligence tip-off, his operatives successfully raided one of their warehouses and arrested two of their exotic cars, both of which had a duty paid value of N83,569,989.
He said that the exotic cars were brought into the country with Chadian diplomatic plate numbers, adding that the seizure had been reported to the Abuja headquarters of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which had initiated a complaint with the Chadian Embassy in Nigeria.
He vowed to make sure the culprits face the full wrath of the law as an investigation was still ongoing on the case, adding that the command made an arrest of an agent in connection with the seizure of second-hand bales but now on bail.
Comptroller Umar also vowed that his men and officers would not relent in fishing out the perpetrators of such illegal activities bent on sabotaging the economy of the country.
In his word, “we shall continue to sharpen our intelligence and enforcement capabilities to fight smuggling and enforce compliance with extant laws and procedures to ensure success in the battle against economic saboteurs.
“The role of the Nigeria Customs Service in the sustenance of the nation’s economy is very crucial. Also, suppression of smuggling of prohibited/restricted items into the country is necessary in reducing insecurity and protecting our local industries.
“During our anti-smuggling activities from January till date, the command has made several seizures within its area of coverage.
“With smart intelligence gathering from CIU and Customs Police, we are able to seize a 1×40 ft container at APMT loaded with 290 bales of second-hand clothes otherwise known as (Okirika) with a Duty Paid Value of over N38 million.
“Similarly, we arrested two Exotic cars (Mercedes Benz C43 AMG 4MATIC 2017 Model and Mercedes Benz GLE 53AMG TURBO 2021 Model) both with Chadian embassy plate numbers with Duty paid value of over N83 million.
“Other contraband items seized include 1,300 (50kg) bags of foreign rice, 180 jerrycans of vegetable oil, 50 cartons of foreign couscous, 27 carton of foreign Spaghetti, 15 cartons of condensed milk, and 22 bales of second-hand clothes worth over N148 million DPV.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
