Customs seizes 124 asserted items worth N133m in Kebbi
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has seized assorted items worth N133 million in its efforts to combating smuggling activities within six months in Kebbi State.
The Customs Area Controller, Kebbi Area Command, Comptroller, Hafiz Kalla, made this known while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on interception of a tanker loaded with PMS and a half year scorecard of the command on Thursday.
He said,” I will like to use this opportunity to also inform you of our success in combating smuggling activities in the command between January to June 2021.
“The command has made 124 seizures of assorted items which include: 2279 bags of 50kg of foreign rice, 454 packages of Indian hemp, 1,008 bags of 50kg of foreign fertilizers, 157 bales of second hand clothing and new textile materials; 12 units of used vehicles, among others.
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“The duty paid value of the items stands at N133, 117,568.”
Kalla also added that the officers and men of the command had on 27th of July 27,2021, intercepted a tanker loaded with undocumented Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) while on routine surveillance.
“Our officers and men of Kebbi Area Command in collaboration with the Customs Police Unit intercepted a tanker with Reg. No; KUR 152 XA loaded with 60,000 litres of PMS (premium motor spirit) petroleum along Tsamiya / Illo road in Bagudo Local Government Area.
“The driver could not tender relevant documents to convince us of their destination hence they were brought to the office for further investigation.
“Hence in the spirit of interagency collaboration, the matter will now be handed over to the NNPC led Operation created by the Presidency to curtail PMS diversion in order to conduct their investigation about the point of loading and the destination.
“It is important to note that we are guided by laws in performance of our duties.
“Therefore, relevant provisions of our laws will be strictly adhered to for guidance and compliance.
“We shall be guided by sections 1 and 2 of Customs and Excise (special penal and other provisions Act) which gives the Nigeria Customs the power to sell, destroy and dispose of any perishable or inflammable items,”he said.
In the revenue aspect, Kalla said reminded that all the borders under the state Area Command are closed.
“However, the command was able to generate over N5 million as fees from the auction sales of perishable and inflammable items.”
The comptroller urged the general public and officers and men of the command to continue to keep vigilance to ensure the suppression of cancer of smuggling in the country.
Customs seizes 124 asserted items worth N133m in Kebbi
