The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Joint Border Patrol Team has apprehended 34 illegal migrants and confiscated a significant quantity of smuggled goods. The items seized include 816 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 802 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 285 bales of second-hand clothing, among other prohibited items.
This discovery was made public during a press briefing in Lagos in which africa24hrsnews correspondent was in attendance, Deputy Comptroller Mohamed Shuaibu, the team’s Coordinator, emphasized that intensified patrols, continuous surveillance, and enhanced intelligence operations along border areas have been crucial in dismantling smuggling operations.
Shuaibu remarked, “Our steadfast dedication to combating smuggling is vital for protecting Nigeria’s economy and ensuring national security. Our initiatives to thwart smuggling activities are in line with the Federal Government’s firm stance against such offenses.
“Such activities not only jeopardize economic stability but also contribute to insecurity and take advantage of vulnerable populations. The commitment of our officers has led to remarkable outcomes, with the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seizures over the past month amounting to N556.43 million. Furthermore, N8.02 million was accrued from the auction of PMS that could not be stored due to its hazardous nature.”
Some of the seized items being display by the Nigeria Custom Service.
The Deputy Comptroller also expressed concern regarding illegal entries into the country, asserting that the Customs Service, in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies, will take proactive measures to prevent such occurrences for security reasons. He urged individuals wishing to enter the country to do so legally and ensure proper documentation upon arrival.
