How Importation Of Illegal Fertilizer Might Put Threat To National Security – NCS

By Seyifunmi Odunuga

IBADAN – The Nigerian Custom Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, has disclosed that illegal importation of fertilizer into the country might put threat to national security, because fertilizers are not only meant for farming, but can also be used for explosive device.

Considering the security challenges across the country, there is a need to checkmates the rate at which fertilizer is coming into the country to avoid security threat, adding that the command would not released the 1,400 bags of fertilizers seized untill a document come from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA),

Comptroller of NCS, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Mrs. Uche Ngozi while showcasing some of the seized items by the Command on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 in Ibadan noted that fertilizer can be brought into the country in the name of farming, but might thereafter used for explosive device which can put a threat to the security of the country.

In her words, “One truck containing 600 bags of NPK 12-12-12 2MgO fertilizer was apprehended along Igbeti axis of Oyo State without necessary regulatory documents, the truck has been detained pending the provision of necessary documents from NSA office.”

She slso added that another 800 bags of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer has also been seized after failure to produce the required documents within 90 days period with a Duty Paid Value of N18, 702,000.

The Custom boss, noted that the Area Command also siezed 265 kegs of petrol otherwise know as PMS, and it shall be auctioned and the proceed shall be remitted to the account of the federal government.

Other item seized by the custom include: 60 bales of second hands clothings DVP N11,519,550.00, 26 (25 ltr) kegs of foreign rice, 28 bags of rice concealed in 14 sacks DVP N1,213,030.00, 2270 bags of 50kg of foreign parboiled rice with DPV value N96,055,050, 26 kegs of 25ltr each of foreign parboied rice, and among others.

According to her, the Duty Paid Value for all the seized goods from January till October was N636,052,507 only, which represent a 102.4% increase when compared to same period in 2019.

She however said that the achievements recorded were made possible by vigilant officers of the Area Command, adding that the contributions and collaboration of other unit such as Custom Intelligent Unit (CIU), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Strike Force, Custom Police, Border Drill and other sisters agencies has also helped a lot.

Mrs. Uche Ngozi however appreciated the cooperation of the traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders and the people of Oyo and Osun towards providing an enabling environment for the officers to function