An operation conducted by the Nigerian Customs Service, Kebbi State Area Command, resulted in the interception of goods worth over N126 million, which included 212 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each.
Among the seized items were also 10,025 liters of petrol valued at over N2 million.
Customs Area Comptroller Iheanacho Ojike mentioned that since assuming office two months ago, the command has been rigorously combating smuggling activities through extensive patrols across Kebbi.
“We leverage intelligence to bolster our operations and actively raise awareness within the local communities about the perils of smuggling,” Ojike stated.
Emphasizing the negative impact of smuggling on the economy and the populace, Ojike detailed the initiatives undertaken to address the issue, which led to the confiscation of the intercepted items.
In addition to the rice and petrol, the seized items comprised 28 bags weighing 25kg each, 200 bales of jumbo-sized second-hand clothing, 50 bales of normal-sized clothing, 10,025 liters of premium motor spirit, 39 lumps of Indian hemp (cannabis sativa), 78 rolls of Diclofenac Sodium, 300 wraps of diazepam tablets (5mg each), 57 packs of a sex enhancement drug (black diamond), 150 expired powdered milk, 50 used tires, 20 rims, 20 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 20 bags of foreign sugar, and 10 jerry cans of vegetable oil.
“The total duty paid value of the confiscated items amounts to N126,278,959.60,” Ojike revealed.
He further stated, “The value of the premium motor spirit is not included in the duty paid value as it is accounted for separately in our revenue section through auction sales proceeds.”
Crediting the success of the operation to the dedication of their Operations teams, Intelligence Unit, Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), and collaborative efforts with other agencies, Ojike commended their resilience and hard work.
Ojike also indicated that the cannabis seized would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
While discussing revenue generation within the command, he acknowledged a temporary disruption in operations due to the closure of borders between Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Niger Republic.
Nevertheless, despite the challenges, the command was able to generate N7,215,500 in revenue during the two-month period under review, reflecting a 125% increase compared to the preceding two months.