The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone “B” Kaduna, said it made a total of 264 seizures of 21 different items worth N2 billion within the last two months.
The contraband that was seized consisted of different smuggled items at various locations in the zone, including 98 pieces of foreign Jack knives, 870 pieces of foreign machetes, 61 used vehicles, and 18 means of conveyance.
The command controller, Dalha Chedi, made this known on Tuesday in Kaduna while showcasing the zone scorecard to newsmen.
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Other items seized were 3,016 bags of 25 and 50 kgs of foreign parboiled rice, 292 Jerry cans of foreign refined vegetable oil, and 2131 cartons of spaghetti, macaroni, and couscous.
He also listed the seized items, including 640 bales of foreign secondhand clothing, 147 sacks of foreign secondhand shoes, and 360 cartons of frozen poultry products.
According to him, 120 cartons of foreign pomade were also seized as 34 cartons of foreign condensed milk, with 1,972 jerry cans of petrol or PMS (25 litres each).
Chedi also listed the items to include 20 bundles of foreign-used tires and 16 cartons of foreign tobacco (Hookah),337 cartons of foreign cigarettes, and 78 cartons of foreign medicament. Others are 212 cartons of foreign milky creamer,76 bags of Ammonium Sulphate, 76 cartons of expired seasoning, and 10 bags of foreign flour.
The controller vowed that the command would diligently suppress smuggling and combat all anti-economic activities.
Chedi assured the unit would continue improving its strategies and overall performance by building on its inherited strong foundations.
The controller also reminded the public that the closure of all land borders with Niger Republic was still in full force.
“I wish to remind all and sundry that our unit will continue to ensure full compliance with the directives of the leadership and management of the Service as directed by the Federal Government,” he said.
Chedi also called on all the stakeholders, traders, businessmen, and Nigerians to eschew all activities that violated the customs’ extant laws.
He promised that the unit would leave no stone unturned to ensure that all acts of smuggling and anti-economic activities were fully challenged and the full force of the law brought to bear.
Chedi said, ” We are not unaware that within the ember months and especially this yuletide period, many would want to engage in illegal activities, so smugglers and other unscrupulous traders are warned to steer clear of Zone B.
“Our men are on the ground and combat ready to act under Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.”
Chedi also handed over the pharmaceutical items seized to NAFDAC for further investigation and prosecution, wherever possible.
The controller also appreciated all the partners and other sister security agencies, adding that ”the unit will continue to maintain synergy with them. ”I am, however, soliciting more collaboration from the stakeholders and the media for greater success,” Chedi added. (NAN)
