Nigerian Customs intercepts illicit drugs, contraband in Niger, Kogi

The Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a Honda Accord concealing 283 wraps of cannabis, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N5.4 million.

The vehicle, with registration number FKJ 878 DJ, was stopped along the Lokoja-Abuja expressway.

The new Comptroller of the command, Mr Pascal Chibuoke, disclosed this yesterday while handing over the seized cannabis to the Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Minna, Niger State.

According to Chibuoke, acting on intelligence, the Kogi State patrol team intercepted the Honda Accord carrying prohibited items. “While the search was ongoing, the driver, realising that our officers had discovered the concealed items, abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest,” he said.

Chibuoke also revealed that the command made other significant seizures recently, including nine exotic cars and other vehicles with a combined DPV of N170.1 million. Additionally, 104 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with a DPV of N416,000, were seized and subsequently auctioned due to their flammable nature, following approval from the Comptroller General of Customs. The proceeds from the auction were remitted to the federal government.

The Commandant of the NDLEA in Niger State, Shehu Gwadaba, expressed his appreciation for the cooperation between the NDLEA and the NCS, highlighting the long-standing synergy between the two agencies.