By Adeyanju Esther
In a display of integrity and dedication, officers from the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Sokoto/Zamfara Command intercepted a major vandalism operation and rejected a substantial bribe.
Comptroller Kamal Mohammed, leading the Command, praised the officers for their actions during a press briefing held at the Command headquarters.
On June 8, NCS officers apprehended three individuals involved in the vandalism of railway tracks.
The suspects, part of a notorious cartel, were caught with a 20-foot truck loaded with stolen railway materials. When unable to produce valid documentation from the Federal Ministry of Transport, the suspects attempted to bribe the officers with N1.5 million, including an upfront payment of N300,000.
The officers, however, refused the bribe and detained the suspects, along with the cash, at the command headquarters.
“Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is responsible for protecting critical national assets,” Comptroller Kamal explained.
“Following our policy of collaboration, we will hand over the suspects, the truck, and the seized cash to the NSCDC Sokoto Command for further investigation and prosecution.”
In a related operation, the command also intercepted 11,270 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). This seizure is part of the NCS’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and economic sabotage related to petroleum products.
The PMS, also known as petrol, was confiscated by the Zone ‘B’ Whirlwind tactical team, bolstered by reinforcements from the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command.
The CAC disclosed that, “In line with extant laws and the approval by the CGC, the seized PMS will be auctioned to the public.”
Comptroller Muhammed noted that maritime and cross-border smuggling of PMS harms the overall supply chain of the product, in addition to the possibility of funding criminal activities with the proceeds.
He restated the service’s commitment to continue to protect Nigeria’s economic interest with dedication and integrity, without fear or favour, in tandem with the provisions of the law.