The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano Area Command has intercepted four trucks loaded with food items as part of renewed efforts to tackle smuggling.
This is contained in a statement by the Spokesman of the Service, Saidu Nuradeen, issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Kano.
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He said that personnel of the Service arrested the vehicles transporting a significant quantity of food items intended for illegal export along Hadejia – Taura – Ringim axis in Jigawa State.
He listed the items to include 1,505 cartons of big and small-sized dried fish, 17 bags of local variety rice, and two bags of beans.
Nuradeen explained that the seizure underscores the relentless effort of the Service to enforce the border closure policy aimed at safeguarding the nation’s economy as well as ensuring food security.
“Smuggling undermines legitimate trade channels, poses risks to public health and deprives the government of much-needed revenue.
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“The NCS reiterates its unwavering commitment to combat smuggling activities across all entry points into the country, ” the statement said.
While urging members of the public to provide credible information to enable it to stem smuggling, Nuradeen reiterated the commitments of the Service to curb illicit activities to protect local industries and enhance food security.
Meanwhile, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone B, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, IQ Ibudu has urged the Maigatari border community to be vigilant and abide by the land border closure in line with the ECOWAS directives.
She said that the government adopted proactive measures to address social and economic challenges bedeviling the country.
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The Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Dauda Ibrahim Chana, enjoined border communities to cooperate with the Service and other security agencies in the area command to safeguard border posts.
He gave assurance that the Service was committed to addressing their needs, especially in areas of community relations.
