Nigeria Customs Service records higher seizures of rice, petrol

Barely three weeks into the intensive joint border patrol, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday, declared that the joint border security agencies have recorded massive seizures and arrests from its North West, North Central, South West, and South-South geopolitical zones of the country.

Public Relations Officer, NCS, Deputy Controller, Joseph Attah, confirmed that the patrol being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has continued to intercept smuggled rice, fuel, cars, drugs among others, while 117 suspects were arrested in connection with the deal.

He said: “As at 10 September 2019, 100 illegal migrants have been arrested while seizures so far include: 8,360-50kg bags of parboiled foreign rice; 122 bags of fertilizer; 77 vehicles; 781 drums filled with Petrol as well as 16,371 empty 200 litres drums to be used for smuggling fuel; 1,491 packs of assorted drugs; three outboard 40HP Engines; 13 Cotonou boats; 185 drums of groundnut oil; six trucks; 114 motorcycles; among other items with 117 suspects.

“As part of the efforts to sustain the rigorous patrol along the national borderlines, the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ibrahim Ali, Comptroller General of Immigration, Mohammed Babandede and the Coordinator of the exercise, Brig Gen Emmanuel Aliyu Ndagi have commenced an on the spot assessment of the implementation and compliance of the ongoing border security drills,” he stated.

The exercise, which is being led by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) as well as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security and intelligence agencies is intended to better secure our borders, boost national economy and strengthen border security, according to Attah.

He, therefore, appealed to the patriotic spirit of all Nigerians, especially members of the business community to see the exercise as an opportunity to further create a conducive environment for local businesses to thrive in the overall interest of national security and development.