Maritime

Customs Impounds Containers Of Pirated Books

Published

14 years ago

November 2, 2012

The Management and staff of Bua Group, Port Harcourt in a walk-out during their Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) week at Port Harcourt Port Complex, recently.

The Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted three containers of pirated books imported from China.

The PTML Area Controller, Alhaji Jubril Zakari, said in Lagos that the containers of pirated books were declared as Bibles ad other Christians Publications but on physical examinations was discovered to contain educational books, such as; mastering English and Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary among others.

He said that the first container was declared to contain Christian books but on physical examination, it was discovered to contain educational books on anatomy and physiology in health and others. The second container declared its content as “think and do reading book”, but was found on examination to contain 980 cartons of educational books like mastering English, Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, Oral and basic technology and others, while the last container, declared as Holy Bible on examination was found to be carrying 250 cartons of Holy Bible and 425 cartons of other books.

The Controller, however, said that three suspects have been arrested and were aiding the command in its investigations.

He further explained that the command was ever ready to plug all leakages and vowed that no dirty deals will be allowed to pass through the command.

Zakari also said that the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko had zero tolerance for anything unwholesome.

The Customs boss said that the internal strategies put in place by the Command had started yielding results.

According to him, 100 percent goods re-examination conducted by officers led to the discovery of the pirated books in the containers.

The controller described the importers as saboteurs, who are in habit of reproducing other people’ work without their consent even as he reiterated that dubious importers will continue to have their goods seized.

Zakari warned that dubious importers and their agents should look elsewhere, adding that his command is well equipped and battle ready to fight unscrupulous importers to standstill.

According to him, nothing would deter him and his men from ensuring that the right things were done at the right time, adding that those nursing the hope of using the PTML command to carry out their nefarious activities should think twice.

Taking over the seized goods, the Deputy Director, Zonal Manager of the Nigeria Copy Right Commissioner (NCC) Chris Nwocha, expressed appreciation to NCS in its effort toward checkmating the nefarious activities of pirates.

Business

Navy Hands Over Five Suspected Stowaways to NIS

Published

7 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has handed over five suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

The suspects were discovered aboard a merchant vessel, MT Chinafrie Happiness, in an attempted illegal voyage out of the country.

This was contained in a statement issued by Sub Lieutenant A.O. Ajayi, Naval Assistant to the Commander, NNS Beecroft.

The statement said the Handover is part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration aimed at strengthening maritime security, curbing illegal migration, and enhancing safety within Nigeria’s maritime environment.

According to the statement, the suspects were discovered on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, concealed inside the rudder compartment of the vessel while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The five suspects were safely evacuated by Naval Personnel’s and taken to NNS Beecroft for preliminary investigation, profiling, and documentation before being transferred to immigration authorities for further action.

The statement gave their identity as Segun Samuel Boyewa (31), Kingsley Chukwu (43), Joseph Judge (33), Moses Aletor (24), and Abdullahi Danlami (31).

Preliminary findings indicated that the individuals allegedly boarded the vessel while it was docked at Tin Can Island Port with the intention of stowing away to India without valid travel documentation or authorisation.

The statement also noted that stowaway attempts pose significant risks to human life and maritime safety, as individuals often hide in hazardous compartments of vessels under extreme conditions that could lead to injury or death.

The Naval statement warned that illegal boarding of ships remains a serious maritime security challenge and called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to discourage youths from engaging in such dangerous and unlawful acts.

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of NNS Beecroft to sustained maritime security operations in line with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, aimed at maintaining a professional and effective naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting joint operations for national security.

Chinedu Wosu

Business

Navy Nabs 13 Black Sand Miners In Bayelsa –Impound Two Boats

Published

7 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy has arrested Thirteen 13 Black Sand miners in Bayelsa state

The Service also impounded two Wooden Boats used for the illegal operations

Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said this in a statement issued to Newsmen in Abuja.

Folorunsho said with the operation, the Navy had recorded another operational success in its efforts to curb illegal exploitation of natural resources

According to Folorunsho the operation was conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, following credible intelligence on the movement of boats suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities.

He said the intelligence revealed the boats were operating within the coastal communities of Brass Local Government Area.

“Acting on the intelligence, Naval personnel intercepted the boats at Lekeson and Liama communities, where large quantities of suspected illegally mined black sand were discovered onboard.

“A total of 13 crew members were arrested in connection with the activity,” he said.

The Naval Director of information said that the successful operation underscored the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and preventing the illegal exploitation of natural resources that undermine economic development and environmental sustainability.

“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against illegal resource extraction and other maritime crimes, while maintaining security and stability within the nation’s waterways,” he said.

Folorunsho also said that the two wooden boats recovered, the black sand and the 13 suspects have subsequently been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Nembe Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

He said this was done in line with the extant procedures and directives of the Bayelsa Government.

The Naval spokesperson reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime resources.

Folorunsho assured that it would also ensure that the nation’s waterways remain safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.

CHINEDU WOSU

Maritime

NCS Holds Free Medical Outreach For 2,000 Daura Residents

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held its 7th Retreat Medical Outreach in Daura, Katsina State,

Customs said the Free medical outreach is aimed at providing free healthcare services to residents of the area.

Speaking during the event, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Ahmad Tijjani-Abe, said the programme would provide general medical consultations, dental care, eye and ear care, as well as minor surgical operations for beneficiaries.

Tijjani-Abe said medical teams deployed for the exercise would also provide free medications to patients attending the outreach.

He added that the service would visit schools within the area to deworm students and distribute health kits and mosquito nets to help prevent malaria among children.

Also Speaking, Dr Ethelbert Ikechukwu, Medical Team Leader of the outreach said the exercise was part of the initiative of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which had been carried out in different parts of the country over the years.

According to him, the programme is designed to support communities where customs personnel operate by offering free medical consultations and medications to residents.

Ikechukwu further explained that patients whose conditions could not be fully managed at the outreach centre would be referred to appropriate medical facilities for further treatment.

Ikechukwu urged members of the public to take advantage of the exercise, noting that the medical teams comprised highly qualified healthcare professionals.

The outreach targets about 2,000 patients across various areas of medical care.