By: Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS) Federal Operation Unit Zone B, Kaduna State, has reiterated its commitment to end smuggling activities in the zone.
The Comptroller, Federal Operation Unit, (FOU) Zone B Kaduna, Mallam Dalha Wada Chedi, made the commitment in Kaduna while briefing newsmen on the achievements of the command in Kaduna at the weekend.
According to Wada, Duty Paid Value (DPV) worth of N406,924,091.34 was made from 28th November, 2023 to 31st December, 2023
The 12 different items, and a total of 71 seizures according to him, were intercepted at various locations in the Zone, activities he stressed are of grave implications to the health and safety of Nigerians.
He said, “The onslaught by operatives of the Unit during the period under review yielded the total of Seventy-One (71) seizures of 12 different items intercepted at various locations in the Zone, which are of grave implications to the health and safety of Nigerians.
“I must also say that the extent of seizures we were able to make during the period is a fulfillment of our pledge that the Unit will ensure full compliance with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s directives on the closure of all land borders with Niger republic.
“The vigilance of the operatives of the Unit during the period, likewise led to the interception and seizure of 877 Jerry-cans (25 litres each) of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).
“Other seizures made during the period include; 240 bales of Foreign Second Hand Clothing, 10 Jerry-cans of Foreign Refined Vegetable Oil (25 litres each), 415 Cartons of Foreign Spaghetti, Macaroni and Couscous, 349 Cartons of Foreign New Shoes (Unisex), 500mg of 3,400 Sachets of Foreign Amoxicillin and 35 Cartons of Foreign Flame Lighters.
“Beyond this, suffice to say that despite the value of the 17 seizures made within the period, as stated above, we are proud to say that the Unit has seized hard drugs and other assorted goods at various intervals in the Year 2023 worth about Four Billion Naira (N4 billion) in Duty Paid Value(DPV) from 1st January to 31st December, 2023.
“This represents 100 percent increase in seizures made above the total DPV of N2,345,155,577.38 that was seized in the year 2022. It is also an indication that the operatives of the Unit have up-the-ante in the fight against smuggling in the Zone.”