Smuggling Surge: Jonah Orders 24-Hour Vigilance Across Waterways

The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified surveillance and enforcement operations across Nigeria’s waterways ahead of an anticipated rise in smuggling activities during the year-end period.
The Command has placed officers across its operational outposts on heightened alert to prevent smugglers and economic saboteurs from exploiting the waterways to transport prohibited goods and illicit substances into Nigerian communities.
The Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Thomas Jonah, disclosed this on Friday during a courtesy visit by executives of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), assuring that the Command would sustain its anti-smuggling operations without compromise.
Jonah revealed that he had issued a marching order to officers to strengthen vigilance across all operational locations, stressing that no gaps would be allowed for smugglers to exploit.
“As the year is winding up, there is always a surge in smuggling activities. We are not relaxing. We are alert at all our outposts. I have given a marching order. Our officers are on top of things, to ensure nowhere is left open for smugglers and economic saboteurs,” he said.
He emphasised that the Command would maintain a strong presence across its waterways, noting that the Nigeria Customs Service remained committed to enforcing relevant laws and preventing the illegal movement of prohibited goods.
According to him, the intensified operations are designed to stop banned and unregistered products, including psychoactive substances, from entering Nigerian communities, given their potential dangers to public health, safety and national security.
The Acting Controller also highlighted the importance of collaboration with sister security agencies, describing inter-agency cooperation as essential to strengthening intelligence gathering, improving operational effectiveness and tackling smuggling-related activities.
Jonah reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain its enforcement drive, warning that Nigeria’s waterways would not be allowed to become safe corridors for smugglers and individuals engaged in economic sabotage.