The Nigeria Customs Joint Border Patrol Team JBPT in the North Central zone has arrested five women who are foreigners.
The suspects are Fatima Mohammadu (38) from Niger Republic, Judith Kofi (29) from Ghana, Fanta Camara (30) from Mali, Fadima Taore ((37) from Chad and Fatimata Camara (39) from Benin Republic.
The Coordinator of the patrol team, Comptroller Olugboyega Peters disclosed this in Ilorin the Kwara State capital while briefing newsmen on the activities of the team in the last three months.
The suspects who allegedly specialise in duping innocent Nigerians through charms were arrested by the JBPT team in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.
According to him, “to actualize JBPT mandate which comprises ONSA, NIA, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Army and other agencies while conducting stop and search along Lokoja–Abuja highway, on the 21st of February, 2021, intercepted one Mazda 626 with registration number ABJ 187 BF, conveying five women from Zuba, Abuja to Lokoja in Kogi State. On searching the vehicle, 15 bundles and 18 pieces of wrappers were found to be concealed in the bonnet and other components of the vehicle”.
Illegal immigrants
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were found to be illegal immigrants without any means of identification while they operate as a syndicate comprising two groups, who specialize in duping and stealing women wrappers and most times use charms to perpetrate their crimes.
Over N259m recovered
Peters disclosed that since he assumed office in January this year 242 seizures with total paid value of 259, 260, 443.00 naira were recorded.
He also said the team has intercepted 128 seizures during the period under review.
According to him, three sets of human traffickers with a total number of 80 suspected trafficked children have also been intercepted.
The coordinator urged the youth to shun the act of being used by economic saboteurs to attack operatives while carrying out their lawful duties.
Some of the items seized include 1,584 bags of foreign rice, 48 units of used vehicles, seven motorcycles, 1,864 jerry cans of 25 litres of petrol, 21 bags of foreign sugar and 948 cartons of foreign tomatoes among others.
The Comptroller said that the suspects will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
Nneka Ukachukwu
