Kebbi Customs Seizes N126 Million Worth of Smuggled Goods

The Kebbi State Customs Area Command, under the leadership of Comptroller Iheanacho Ojike, has intercepted smuggled goods valued at over N126 million in the past two months. The seized items include 212 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 10,025 litres of petrol, second-hand clothing, Indian hemp, and other contraband items.

Comptroller Ojike stated that the command has intensified its fight against smuggling by engaging in rigorous patrols and using intelligence to enhance operations. "The seized items have a combined duty paid value of N126,278,959.60, and the command has also generated N7,215,500 in revenue in the two months under review, a 125% increase compared to the previous two months," he said.

The seized contraband includes 212 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 28 bags of 25kg rice, 200 bales of jumbo-sized second-hand clothing, 50 bales of normal-sized second-hand clothing, 10,025 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 39 lumps of Indian hemp, 78 rolls of Diclofenac Sodium, 300 wraps of Diazepam tablets, 57 packs of 'Black Diamond' sex enhancement drugs, 150 expired powdered milk, 50 used tires, 20 rims, 20 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 20 bags of foreign sugar, and 10 jerrycans of vegetable oil.

Why this matters: The seizure of smuggled goods by the Kebbi State Customs Area Command highlights the ongoing efforts to combat illegal trade activities that undermine the country's economy and security. The interception of contraband items, including drugs and expired products, helps protect public health and safety.

Comptroller Ojike attributed the achievement to the resilience and courageous efforts of the operations teams, the Intelligence Unit, the Joint Border Patrol Team, and collaboration with other agencies. He emphasized that the Indian hemp and Diazepam tablets will be handed over to the NDLEA and NAFDAC, respectively, for immediate prosecution of the suspects. The Customs Service is empowered by Sections 233, 234, and 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 to confiscate, detain, seize, and prosecute such smuggled goods.

Key Takeaways

• Kebbi Customs seized smuggled goods worth over ₦126 million in 2 months.
• Seized items include rice, fuel, drugs, and expired products.
• Customs intensified patrols and used intelligence to enhance operations.
• Customs generated ₦7.2 million in revenue, a 125% increase.
• Seized contraband handed over to NDLEA and NAFDAC for prosecution.