The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ of the Nigerian Customs Service has announced the interception and seizure of 71 prohibited items, collectively valued at more than Four Hundred and Six Million Naira in Duty Paid Value (DPV).
Among the seized items are 37 bales and four rolls of Police camouflage uniforms, intercepted along the Lokoja-Abuja expressway.
Smuggling poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s national security and economic stability as it leads to loss in revenue and slows down economic growth.
The influx of smuggled goods also affects local industries by creating unfair competition.
The Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ in Kaduna state is in the front line against this kind of economic crime.
Comptroller Chedi Wada talks about the substantial seizures made between November 28th and December 31st, 2023.
He highlighted the implications on the health and safety of Nigerians, he also says the closure of the land border between Nigeria and Niger Republic has contributed to the recent successes recorded against smuggling.
Wada disclosed that FOU zone B made a seizure of a container truck suspected to be transporting prohibited items, including Nigeria Police Camouflage Uniforms, on the Lokoja-Abuja expressway.
The officials reveal that in 2023, the Unit seized goods worth approximately Four Billion Naira, marking a 100% success rate compared to the previous year.
Additionally, the Nigeria Customs Service Kaduna command reported a revenue generation of N16.3 billion in 2023, showing a significant increase of 21.93% compared to the N13.43 billion collected in 2022.
Comptroller Tijanni Abe attributed this success to the command’s strategic approach and emphasized the importance of continuous stakeholder sensitization as part of efforts to achieve voluntary compliance.
