The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, Kaduna has announced the seizure of foreign parboiled rice, petrol and other assorted contraband goods with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2,888,460,294.68.
Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi disclosed this during a press briefing on the activities of the Unit during the ember month and since his assumption of duty.
According to him, the feat is as a result of the Unit’s intelligence drive and improved strategies to raise operational performances.
The seized items are: 61 used vehicles worth 2,073,835,718.23; 18 means of conveyance valued at N236,386,387.47; 2991 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice with a DPV of N202,202,737.20; 25 bags of 25kg foreign parboiled rice at N994,815.00; 292 foreign refined vegetable Oils (25litres each) worth N17,943.400.00; 2131 cartons of spaghetti, macaroni and couscous – N17,972,861.32; 640 Bales of foreign secondhand clothing N137,356,492.15 and 147 sacks of foreign secondhand shoes worth N21,957,573.75.
Others include: 360 cartons of frozen poultry products with a DPV of N20,308,932.00; 120 cartons of foreign pomade – N8,973,421.20; 98 pieces of foreign jack knives – N1,242,961.44; 34 cartons of foreign condensed milk – N3,808,451.20; 1972 Jerry cans of PMS (25 litres each) – N22,975,811.15; 20 bundles of foreign used tyres – N917,978.40; 16 cartons of foreign hookah (Tobacco) – N4,563,136.00; 337 cartons of foreign cigarettes – N80,278,792.00 and 78 cartons of foreign medicaments worth N3,580,115.76.
The Unit also impounded 870 pieces foreign machetes valued at N7,586,186.85; 212 cartons of foreign milky creamer – N5,525,829.80; 76 bags of Ammonium Sulphate (25Kg each) – N15,724,096.38; 76 cartons of expired seasoning – N4,679,073.38 and 10 bags of foreign flour with a DPV of N 695,614.00.
All intercepted items that are more relevant to sister agencies’ mandate were handed over to them, in line with Customs’ Standard Operating Procedures, for further investigation and prosecution.
Compt. Chedi emphasised that the Unit will continue to leverage on the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi in terms of all operational processes aimed at achieving optimal results.
His words: “As you are all aware that our primary assignment is that of suppression of smuggling and the combat of all anti-economic activities in all its ramifications, which we do through vigorous customs host community relationship and partnership with all relevant agencies of government.
“l am happy to announce that so far, the Unit has recorded a total of Two Hundred and Forty-Two (264) seizures of 21 Different items between the date of my resumption and now, which also clearly speak of our resolve as a Unit to continue to improve on our strategies and overall performances by building on the strong foundations we inherited.
“While l wish to immediately draw your attention to the fact that the closure of all land borders with Niger Republic is in full force, l 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 Nigeria Customs Service saddled with the duty of implementing the Federal Government directives.
“I call on all stakeholders, especially traders and business people, including all Nigerians to eschew all activities that are in violation of the customs extant laws, so that we can continue to respect ourselves and support the development and growth of our national objectives; as we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that all acts of smuggling and anti-economic activities are fully challenged and the full force of the law brought to bear.
“We are not unaware that within the ember months and especially this yuletide period, many would want to engage in illegal activities, smugglers and all other unscrupulous traders are warned to steer clear of Zone B, our men are fully on ground and combat ready to act in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023”.
Speaking further, the Comptroller thanked critical stakeholders, as well as the Military, Nigeria Police Force, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other sister agencies for their support.
He assured that the Unit will continue to partner with them accordingly.
“We have enjoyed their unwavering corporation and support and solicit for more collaboration, including your good selves, our revered gentlemen of the forth estate of the realm, for showcasing our activities even as we look forward for more of your objective reportage”, he added.
