By Daniel Edu
The Nigeria Customs Service has reported significant seizures of various items in Kebbi and Ogun states. In the Kebbi Area Command, a statement released by Customs Area Controller Ben Oramalugo revealed that in July, they intercepted 4,200 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 525 liters of diesel, 37 kegs of vegetable oil, and other goods. The seizures totaled 28 and included items like tramadol, cannabis sativa, foreign rice, second-hand clothing, and hard drugs with a total duty paid value of N51 million. Oramalugo noted that the coup in Niger Republic and subsequent border closure had affected the command’s revenue generation drive.
Similarly, in Ogun State, the Customs intercepted 203 bags of imported rice, five vehicles, and 1,245 rounds of live ammunition abandoned in a bush path. The Area Comptroller, Bamidele Makinde, stated that during the examination of the seized vehicles, they found live ammunition concealed in bags of rice. The seized vehicles contained foreign parboiled rice and were abandoned close to a border exit point. The total Duty Paid Value of the seized ammunition and rice was reported to be N17,638,145.00. The investigation is ongoing to identify those responsible for the smuggling attempt.
The two instances highlight the ongoing efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service to curb smuggling and illegal activities across the country’s borders.
