We’ll Force Smugglers Out of Business – Customs Strike Force
…Intercepts 513 Bags of Rice in Kwara
The Strike Force of Nigeria’s Customs Service has intercepted 513 bags of 50kg foreign rice in Kwara State.
The Deputy Comptroller of Customs and Coordinator of the Strike Force team in zone B, DC Olorukoba Oseni disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Customs Headquarters in Ilorin Kwara state on Tuesday.
DC Olorukoba Oseni said the Strike force covering the 19 states in northern Nigeria received intelligence on Monday about activities of economic saboteurs along Jenukunu-Bani-Malete axis of Kwara state.
According to him, at about 2100HR based on intelligent report of nefarious activities of economy saboteurs along Jeunkunu-Malete-Bani axis of Kwara, a team of officers were quickly dispatched to the area while TWO TOYOTA CANTER, one with Reg. No KCH 176 XA while the second one without number were intercepted
“A large quantity of foreign par boiled rice yet to be loaded into vehicles were also intercepted. On sighting the officers, the drivers to the two Canter trucks abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.” He explained
“After a short period, the driver mobilized a large mob of organized smugglers and errant youths armed with sticks, stones and locally made weapons, to attacked the operatives but we immediately called for reinforcement from FOU, Customs Police, Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) and Kwara Area Command before we could evacuate and maneuver our way out”
He stated the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized rice in Sona, Habiba brands amount to N22, 581,500.
Olorukoba while commending officers of for their resilience said customs with support of other security agency will force smugglers out of their illegal business.
He noted that the imported rice is harmful to human health as smugglers usually repackage the items in unhygienic environment.
Stressing that the Comptroller General Strike Force is committed to the Customs Management efforts of prevent smuggling and revenue losses.
”I want to specifically appreciate the efforts of Kwara Area Command, FOU, JBPT and Customs Police for their supports”, Olorukoba says while calling for more intelligence sharing.
