Customs seizes 32 items worth N87.7m within one month in Kebbi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it seized 32 smuggled items worth N87.7 million within one month of its renewed and sustained clampdown on smuggling activities in Kebbi State.
The Area Controller of NCS, Mr Joseph Attah, made the disclosure at a news briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
He said,” Our renewed and sustained clampdown on smuggling activities in the command has yielded a total number of 32 seizures in our activities for the month of March, 2022.
“These items include, 579 jerrican equivalent to 14,475 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and 45 bales of second hand clothes.
“45 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each, 320 sacks of scrap metals and two (Daf) trucks used as means of conveyance as well as one used Ford Edge vehicle; among others.”
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Attah explained that the Duty Paid value of the items stood at N87.7 million and amount generated as fee had been remitted to the government coffers.
“In line with extant laws, most of the inflammable products have been auctioned to government agencies, with the amount generated as fees remitted to government coffers,” he said.
He also noted that the petrol smuggling through the command had continued to be on the decrease in the face of sustained offensive against the illicit trade.
“Those who thought they can use motorcycles to ferry jerricans of PMS through bush paths are counting their losses going by the activities of the Command’s anti bunkering team.
“The profit motive that drives smuggling is being scuttled, and it is, therefore, reasonable for such people to embrace legitimate means of livelihood.
“These seizures should send a clear message that smuggling is no longer profitable as we have demonstrated that we are capable as we have been empowered with all the necessary logistics and moral support by the Comptroller- General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim-Ali and members of his management,” Attah said.
The comptroller, however, called on the general public to support the command with useful information of the clandestine movement of smugglers in the state.Attachments area
