Over N238 million has been paid as duty to the Niger and Kogi State Area Commands of the Nigeria Customs Service within the last two months, the Area Comptroller of the Command, Mr. Busayo Kadejo has disclosed.
Similarly, a total sum of N50,839,238 was generated as revenue within the same months which were principally from demand notice.
Addressing journalists at a news breifing at the Command headquarters in Minna Wednesday, Mr Kadejo stated that 21 bales of second hand clothing, 90 bags of fertilizer, 116 kegs of 25 litres and 36 bags of 50 kg foreign parboiled rice were also intercepted by the Area Command within the same period.
According to the Area Comptroller, the feat was achieved as a result of massive intelligence and the rules of engagement deployed which resulted to no casualties in a bid to carry out the mandate of the Comptroller General of the Service.
The Area Comptroller stressed that on his assumption in office he engaged the the border communities, other sister security agencies and other stakeholders to foster cordial working relationship and synergy towards achieving future operations, stressing that the Area Commands will soon meet with the two State governors and the traditional rulers in the states to speak to them to advise their subjects to desist from act capable of destroying the country’ s economy.
Speaking further, the Area Comptroller of disclosed that 57 units of exotic cars and other vehicles were seized and a total of seven suspects were arrested, detained and released on administrative bail.
He
Seized bags of parboiled foreign rice
warned that the Niger and Kogi Area Command of the Service under his watch will go all out against the activities of smugglers and other criminal elements within the command to either turn a new leaf or be ready to face the full wrath of the Command.
“I wish to place a sound warning to smugglers and other criminal elements, no matter how highly placed in the society, that we will not spare you.
“Our job is to execute government policies. We have made seizures of vehicles with federal government number plates.
“Smugglers should note that we will always discover all illegal routes and ways used in smuggling and make seizures, arrest and cripple them.” Mr Busayo declared.
While calling on the public and other critical stakeholders to always assist his Area Command with useful information on the activities of smugglers, the Area Comptroller appreciate other sister security agencies and the media for their reportage on the activities of the Area Commands.
