By Milcah Tanimu

The Nigeria Customs Service, Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, recently seized cars, rice, cannabis, and other contraband worth N1.12 billion across six states in the South-West geo-political zone. Coordinator Mohammad Shuaibu revealed these details during a press briefing at the Customs Training College in Ikeja on Friday.

In a significant operation, the team intercepted 1,410 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) valued at N30.4 million within just one week. Shuaibu explained that these seizures occurred within their jurisdiction, including some intercepted at the creeks.

The team also arrested five suspects linked to the contraband and recovered goods violating various sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Federal Government’s Import and Export Guidelines. The confiscated items include:

– 4,051 bags of foreign parboiled rice
– 3,751 jerry cans of PMS
– 425 cartons of frozen poultry products
– 912 pieces of used tyres
– 30 sacks of cannabis sativa
– 30 units of cars used as means of conveyance
– Seven imported (tokunbo) cars
– Four motorcycles

Additionally, the team recovered N11.5 million in revenue through debit notes issued on improperly imported vehicles and goods.

Moreover, the team intercepted 30 illegal immigrants, who were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and prosecution.

Shuaibu warned smugglers of the multiple adverse effects of their activities, emphasizing that smuggling undermines national security by facilitating the movement of illicit goods, including drugs, weapons, and human trafficking, and negatively impacts the economy by depleting the nation’s revenue base through duty and tax evasion.