The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano Area Command, announced a revenue generation of N6.9 billion for the month of November, as revealed by its Comptroller, Mr. Dauda Ibrahim Chana, on Monday.
Chana, who controls the command that covers Kano and Jigawa states, also noted, “We have also seized 2,817 bags of foreign rice, 1,428 pieces of used tyres, 250 Jerry cans of 25-litre vegetable oil and 690 cartoons of foreign soap.
“Other seized items are 429 bales of second-hand clothes, 1,226 packages of royal tramadol, 470 blocks of compressed Indian hemp and 1,530 cartons of foreign spaghetti.”
The Comptroller mentioned that the command had implemented enhanced security measures to curb all types of smuggling activities in the region.
“We have already positioned our officers at strategic locations to deal decisively with all those involved in illegal materials.”
He stated that the area command had instructed officers to be stationed at border posts in Maigatari, located in the Gumel Local Government area of Jigawa, to strengthen efforts in curbing the activities of smugglers.
“The order was also sent to officers at the Jeke outpost in Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.”
“We are battle-ready to end smuggling through our various strategies, in place to pave the way for the arrest and prosecution of smugglers,” the comptroller said.
Chana requested the assistance of traditional leaders and stakeholders in raising awareness among residents about the adverse impacts of smuggling on the nation’s economy.
“We have also reached out to youths in the border communities to assist our field officers with required intelligence information that will assist in curbing all forms of smuggling activities.
“The command’s area of coverage is a no-go area for smugglers as competent officers have been stationed at identified illegal smuggling routes to ensure arrests and prosecution of offenders.”
He also sought the assistance of stakeholders in encouraging residents to avoid smuggling and instead promote the export of local goods.