The Nigeria Customs Service Ogun Area Command II, has intercepted a bullion van carrying 12 bags of 50kg smuggled foreign parboiled rice and N24,489,500.00.

The bullion van, with registration number FKJ 993 BZ, was impounded by operatives of the Joint Border Patrol team in April 2022 along Sokoto-Ijoun/Joga road, Abeokuta axis of the state.

Customs Area Controller, Olusola Alade, revealed the details to journalists on Friday while officially handing over the seized bullion van and money to officials of Bankers Warehouse and Access Bank in Abeokuta.

Alade explained, “On 22 April 2022, Officers and Men of Joint Border Patrol Team at the Olorunda axis of Ogun State intercepted the used Bullion Van with Reg. No. FKY 993 BZ found to have concealed some bags of foreign parboiled rice and N24,489,500.00, along the Sokoto-Ijoun/Joga road, Abeokuta axis of Ogun State.”

He further highlighted that the 12 bags of 50kg each of foreign parboiled rice were carefully hidden in the vehicle.

The bullion van, belonging to Bankers Warehouse Ltd., was detained while the rice was converted to seizure in accordance with Section 168 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Alade disclosed that after conducting a thorough examination on the vehicle, the discovered money was deposited at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Abeokuta branch, for safekeeping.

Three suspects were apprehended and charged in connection with the smuggling incident. Alade added, “In a bid to retrieve the detained Bullion Van and the money, the Bankers Warehouse Ltd and Access Bank wrote an appeal letter to the Comptroller General of Customs for release on compassionate ground.”

Following the investigation and recommendations, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, approved the release of the detained bullion van and money, citing Section 248 (1) and (2) of the NCS Act, 2023.

Alade affirmed the commitment of the customs in combating smuggling and other criminal activities in the state.

He also disclosed that the Ogun Area Command II generated a total revenue of N21.657 billion for the year 2023.