The Customs Area Controller, Kebbi Area Command, Comptroller Hafiz Kalla, has said that from January to June 2021, the command has intercepted 124 assorted items from smugglers and paid duty value of the items stands at over N100m.

He stated this, yesterday, while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Birnin Kebbi.

According to him, 124 seizures of assorted items intercepted are 2279 bags of 50kg of foreign rice and 454 packages of Indian hemp. Others are 1,008 bags of 50kg of foreign fertilizers and 157 bales of second-hand clothing and new textile materials, as well as 12 units of used vehicles.
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Kalla disclosed that the command was able to generate over N5m as fees from the auction sales of perishable and inflammable items.

“It is important to note that we are guided by laws in performance of our duties, therefore, relevant provision of our laws will be strictly adhered to for guidance and compliance.”

We shall be guided by section 1 and 2 of Customs and Excise (special penal and other provisions Act), which gives the Nigerian customs the power to sell, destroy and dispose of any perishable or inflammable items,” he said.

Kalla said the command with collaboration of the customs police unit, intercepted a tanker with Reg. KUR 152 loaded with 60,000 litres of premium motor spirit along Tsamiya/Illo Road in Bagudu Council.

He explained that the driver failed to tender relevant documents to convince the command of his destination; hence he was brought to the office for further investigation.
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