Customs nabs 5 suspects, seizes contrabands worth N323m in Kebbi
Published By: Ayorinde Oluokun
By Ibrahim Bello
Operatives of Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), Kebbi State Area Command have seized smuggled goods worth N323 million in their intensified fight against smuggling in the state.
The Customs Area Comptroller, Mr Iheanacho Ernest-Ojike, made this known while briefing newsmen on the Command’s activities for the third quarter, in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
He said the command had recorded series of successes as the officers and men strived hard to get rid of smuggling activities within Kebbi.
“We have seized 367 bales of secondhand clothing; 16,300 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 74 cartons of different medicament and eight bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each.
“Others are; 180 pieces of donkey skin bundled in nine sacks, two litres of Oxidized Nitric Acid of 35kg each and one unit of DAF truck and Toyota Corolla as means of conveyance, among others,” Ernest-Ojike said.
He also revealed that five suspects had been arrested in connection with the seizures and had been granted administrative bail.
This, Ernest-Ojike, said it was in compliance with the provision of the constitution, pending further investigation and proper trial of their case.
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“The combined Duty Paid Value of the seized items is N323, 065, 567.
“The above seizures were possible with the combined efforts of the outfield officers, our intelligence unit, patrol team leaders, other relevant units, sister agencies and well-meaning Nigerians who provided intelligence,” he said.
On donkey’s skin, Ernest-Ojike, also said the command would hand over 180 pieces of donkey skin to Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS).
This, he said, in addition to the 74 cartons of different medicament to be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to him, the action is within the policy thrust of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi, of consolidation, innovation and collaboration.
On revenue generation, Ernest-Ojike said the Command was able to generate N36. 2 million within the period under review in spite of challenges of low volume of imports through the only official border, Kamba.
The comptroller, appreciated sister agencies, media and all well-meaning citizens who helped the command with useful information to nip smuggling in the bud. (NAN)
