The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has intensified surveillance across Nigeria’s waterways ahead of an anticipated rise in smuggling activities during the end-of-year period.
The command has placed officers at its various operational outposts on high alert to prevent smugglers from exploiting the waterways to transport prohibited goods, illicit substances and other contraband into the country.
The Acting Area Controller of the command, Thomas Jonah, disclosed this on Friday during a courtesy visit by executives of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON).
Jonah said the command had strengthened its enforcement operations and instructed officers to remain vigilant across all locations to prevent smugglers from taking advantage of security loopholes.
He explained that smuggling activities typically increase towards the end of the year, making intensified monitoring and sustained enforcement necessary.
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According to him, the command will not relent in its efforts to ensure that no operational location is left vulnerable to criminal activities.
He also warned that the circulation of prohibited goods and psychoactive substances poses serious threats to public safety and the well-being of Nigerians.
The Customs official further emphasised the importance of collaboration with other security agencies, noting that effective inter-agency cooperation remains crucial to tackling smuggling and other illegal activities along the waterways.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining its anti-smuggling operations and ensuring that Nigeria’s waterways do not become safe routes for smugglers and economic saboteurs.
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