Iheanacho Ernest Ojike: Leading the Charge at Kebbi State Area Command (A Perfect Example of Justice, Honesty, Integrity, and Wisdom)
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) plays a vital role in maintaining national security, fostering economic development, and ensuring the integrity of the country’s borders. One of the most exemplary figures in the NCS is Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, the Area Commander in charge of Kebbi State. Appointed by Comptroller General Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), Ojike has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional acumen, and unwavering dedication to his duties. This article delves into some of his notable achievements and the significant impact he has made since assuming command.
Appointed to lead the Kebbi State Area Command, Iheanacho Ernest Ojike brought with him a wealth of experience and a commendable set of qualities and skills. Known for his physical fitness, critical thinking, sound judgment, and problem-solving abilities, Ojike has proven to be the right man for the job. His effective communication skills and fearless approach to encountering danger with firmness have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and subordinates alike.
The interception of pangolin scales worth N3.9 billion in Duty Paid Value. Acting on actionable intelligence, the Federal Operations Unit Zone B stormed a suburb of Zuru Town in Kebbi State on May 24, 2024. The operation, which was casualty-free, resulted in the seizure of 445.45kg of pangolin scales and the arrest of a suspect involved in the smuggling ring. This success was attributed to robust intelligence sharing between the Customs Service and the Wildlife Office, highlighting the NCS’s commitment to combating the illegal trafficking of endangered species.
Under Ojike’s leadership, the Kebbi State Area Command has made numerous significant seizures of smuggled goods. These include 212 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 200 bales of secondhand clothing, and 10,025 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Other seized items include Indian hemp, Diclofenac Sodium rolls, diazepam tablets, sex enhancement drugs, expired powdered milk, used tires, foreign spaghetti, foreign sugar, and vegetable oils. The combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seized items is ₦126,278,959.60.
In a testament to the NCS’s role in preventing potential security threats, Ojike's team handed over 6,240 pieces of dynamite explosives, loaded on a Canter truck, to the Department of State Services officials.
Despite challenges such as border closures, the Kebbi State Area Command under Ojike’s leadership has seen significant revenue generation. The re-opening of the Kamba border as the only import/export outlet for the state has bolstered revenue prospects, primarily from auction sales of PMS and other seized goods.
Ojike’s tenure as Area Commander exemplifies justice, honesty, integrity, and wisdom. His leadership has not only strengthened the security and economic stability of Kebbi State but also reinforced the values and efficacy of the Nigerian Customs Service. Written by Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate.
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