The Northern Zone of the Comptroller General Strike Force of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed effecting seizures of 71 items including 39 vehicles smuggled through the land borders with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N367,235,139:00 in the month of June and July, 2019.
The Coordinator of the Strike Force in Zone ‘B’ Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DCC) Baba Kura Kolobe made the disclosure in Kaduna while briefing newsmen and showing them round the seized smuggled items.
In his disclosure also, he said about four suspects in connection to the smuggled items were arrested and currently granted administrative bail.
According to DCC Kolobe, the breakdown of the seizures are “5,679 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice, 1,953 bales of second hand clothing, 1,095 (25ltrs) jerry cans of vegetable oil and 39 vehicles including those smuggled through the land borders popularly referred to as “Tokunbo” all with DPV of N367, 235,139:00.”
He appreciated the support of Customs personnel and sister agencies without which the successes would not have been achieved .
“In the same vein, we advise the trading public to conduct their businesses within the ambit of the law, as the renewed vigour by our officers and men will not relent in their efforts in ensuring that Die-Hard smugglers are arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.
“We call on all especially our friends in the business community and the media to partner with us to make Nigeria a better place for us all where industrialization support youth employment.