Contrabands: Niger, Kogi States Customs Command Generates N60.6 Million

The Comptroller of Customs in charge of the Niger/Kogi Area Command in North Central Nigeria,Busayo Kadejo said the command has generated over N60.6 million from seized contraband goods in November 2023.

Speaking at a media briefing held in Minna, the capital of Niger State, Kadejo highlighted that N56.6 million of the total amount resulted from the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) loaded in jerry-cans discovered in a smuggled truck. Additionally, Demand Notices (DN) contributed over N10 million to this impressive sum.

Kadejo attributed this success to the deployment of massive intelligence and adherence to rules of engagement. He expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Comptroller General, including the provision of utility vehicles to enhance the Command’s efficiency.

He said, “Operations conducted by the Command achieved this remarkable feat without any recorded casualties.”

Kadejo also issued a stern warning to smugglers and criminal elements, emphasizing that no matter how highly placed in society, they will not be spared.

“Our job is to implement the Federal Government’s fiscal policies, and we are committed to achieving that. We are determined to confront smugglers and all other economic saboteurs, discovering their tactics, making arrests, seizures, and crippling their operations,” Busayo Kadejo.

He reminded Nigerians that the Federal Government’s policy on the closure of the border remains in force at the Babana border in Niger state.

Highlighting the Command’s earlier success this year, Kadejo further stated that they seized 11 exotic cars and other vehicles bearing Diplomatic Vehicle Registration Number Plates. Additionally, they confiscated compressed cannabis sativa with value of N20.6 million.

This recent accomplishment underscores the Nigeria Customs Niger/Kogi Area Command’s dedication to upholding fiscal policies and ensuring the security of the nation’s borders.

Olusola Akintonde