The Nigeria Customs Service in Kebbi State has taken a big step to stop smuggling by seizing illegal goods worth N323 million. This is part of their strong effort to fight against smuggling in the area.
The person in charge, called the Customs Area Comptroller, is Mr. Iheanacho Ernest-Ojike. He spoke to reporters about what the customs team has done in the last few months in Birnin Kebbi.
Mr. Ernest-Ojike shared that the team has had many wins as they work really hard to stop smuggling in Kebbi. They have been very busy and successful!
Here are some of the things they have taken from the smugglers:
- 367 bales of used clothes.
- 16,300 liters of petrol (sometimes called Premium Motor Spirit or PMS).
- 74 boxes of different types of medicines.
- 8 bags of foreign rice, each weighing 50 kg.
- 9 sacks filled with 180 donkey skins.
- 2 big bottles of a dangerous liquid called oxidised nitric acid, each 35 kg.
- One truck and one car, models DAF truck and Toyota Corolla, used for transporting these illegal goods.
Five people were caught and connected to these illegal activities. They have been released on bail but the investigation continues to find out more about what they did wrong.
Mr. Ernest-Ojike explained that the customs team has been doing their job well following the country’s rules and are ready to investigate further to make sure everyone follows the law.
The total value of the seized items is N323,065,567. This success was possible due to the hard work of customs officers, other helpful agencies, smart team leaders, and good citizens who shared helpful information.
For the donkey skins, Mr. Ernest-Ojike mentioned that these will be given to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services for proper handling. Also, the 74 boxes of medicines will be handed over to another agency called the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
He shared that doing this is part of their plan to work well with others, think of new ideas, and make sure the rules set by the Customs boss, Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi, are followed.
Lastly, even though they faced challenges with fewer imports coming through their only official border, Kamba, the customs managed to raise N36.2 million. This is a great achievement for them!