Nigeria Customs arrests 5 suspects, intercepts contraband worth N323m in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has confiscated smuggled goods worth N323 million in its intensified fight against smuggling in the state.

Customs Area Comptroller Iheanacho Ernest-Ojike disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the command’s activities for the third quarter in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.

Ernest-Ojike said the command had recorded a 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 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 74 cartons of different medicaments; and eight bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each.

“Others are 180 pieces of donkey skin bundled in nine sacks, two litres of oxidised nitric acid of 35kg each and one unit of DAF truck and Toyota Corolla as means of conveyance, among others,” Ernest-Ojike said.

The area comptroller also disclosed that five suspects had been arrested in connection with the seizures and had been granted administrative bail.

According to him, this feat was in compliance with the provision of the constitution, pending further investigation and a proper trial of their case.

“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.

This, he said, in addition to the 74 cartons of different medicaments 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 despite challenges of low volume imports through the only official border, Kamba.