A significant interception was made by the Nigerian Customs Service, Kebbi State Area Command, seizing various goods valued at over N126 million, which included 212 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice.
The Customs Area Comptroller, Iheanacho Ojike, revealed that among the confiscated items were also 10,025 litres of petrol valued at over N2 million.
Ojike highlighted the command’s intensified efforts in combating smuggling activities through rigorous patrols across Kebbi, utilizing intelligence-driven operations and community sensitization to combat the illicit trade.
Emphasizing the detrimental impacts of smuggling on the economy and citizens’ well-being, Ojike applauds the seizure of these items as a proactive measure to address this menace.
The seized items also included a variety of goods such as Indian hemp, pharmaceuticals, sex enhancement drugs, expired powdered milk, used tires, and food items with a combined duty paid value of N126,278,959.60.
Ojike commended the efforts of the Operations teams, Intelligence Unit, Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), and collaboration with other agencies for this successful operation.
The confiscated Indian hemp is set to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further action.
Regarding revenue generation, Ojike mentioned a recent dip due to the border closure with Benin Republic and Niger Republic, yet the command managed to achieve a notable 125% increase, generating N7,215,500 in the past two months.