Kaduna: Customs Seizes 37 Bales, Rolls Of Police Camouflage Uniforms

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘B’, says the Command has seized a container truck conveying 37 bales and four rolls of Nigeria Police camouflage uniforms.

The command arrested four suspects in connection with the seizure in December, along Lokoja-Abuja highway based on credible intelligence.

The Comptroller of the Zone, Mr Chedi Wada said this on Thursday in Kaduna State, when he briefed journalists on the command’s seizures within November and December 31 ,2023.

He said that within the period under review, 71 seizures of 12 different items were made at various locations in the zone, which were of grave implications to the health and safety of Nigerians.

Wada said; “After a 100% physical examination, 37 bales and 4 rolls of Nigeria Police camouflage uniforms alongside other different items were discovered in the truck. Four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure. The 71 seizures which were made in different locations within the Zone worth the Duty Paid Value (DOV) of ₦406.9 million.

“The breakdown showed that, due to the positive use of credible intelligence by the FOU, Zone B operatives, eight used vehicles, as well as two means of conveyance were impounded during the period.”

He said that the seized Police uniforms have been handed over to the Kaduna State Director, Department of State Security, DSS, Kaduna State Command for further investigation and possible prosecution in the spirit of inter-agency collaboration and having obtained necessary approval from the Comptroller-General of Customs.

According to Wada, the seizures made during the period were in fulfillment of the unit’s pledge to ensure full compliance with the Nigerian Government’s directives on the closure of all land borders with Niger republic.

Also, the Comptroller said “as a result of the constant patrol of operatives, the Zone was able to seize 195 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), which would have made their way into the markets, and consumed by the people, despite the hazards, some of such imported grains posed to health.

“The vigilance of the operatives of the Unit during the period likewise led to the interception and seizure of 877 Jerry cans (25 litres each) of petroleum motor spirit (PMS).”

Wada stated that in line with the extant laws and guidelines as directed by the Customs Headquarters, the PMS that were seized have been auctioned and the proceeds remitted to the coffers of the Nigerian Government.

Other seizures made during the period include; 240 bales of foreign second-hand clothing, 10 jerry cans of foreign refined vegetable Oil (25 litres each), 415 cartons of foreign spaghetti, macaroni, and couscous, 349 cartons of foreign new shoes (unisex), 500mg of 3,400 sachets of foreign Amoxicillin and 35 cartons of foreign flame lighters.

“Beyond this, suffice to say that despite the value of the 71 seizures made within the period, we are proud to say that the Unit has seized hard drugs and other assorted goods at various intervals in the Year 2023 worth about N4 billion in DPV from 1st January to 31st December 2023 which represented 100 percent increase in seizures compare to #2.3 billion made in 2022,” he added.

Mercy Chukwudiebere