From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted smuggled Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), 444 laptop-sized wraps of Cannabis Sativa and foreign rice worth N109.59 million within three weeks.
Comptroller of Customs, Kebbi State Area Controller, Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim disclosed this during his maiden press conference after three weeks’ assumption of office as the Command Comptroller.
Ibrahim explained that the seizure was the joint achievement of the Command and Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He disclosed that due to the diligence of his operatives, 100 bales of second-hand clothing, 444 laptop-sized wraps of Cannabis Sativa, 143 mini sacks of donkey meat, 140 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 100 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 20 jerry cans of vegetable oil were intercepted from the smugglers.
According to him, “the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these items stands at ₦109,595,761.
“These interceptions underscore the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs and his Management Team, to safeguard our national resources and protect the economy from sabotage. Smuggling of PMS not only deprives our nation of much-needed revenue but also poses serious security and safety risks to our communities.
“In a nutshell, fuel smuggling is a major issue in Nigeria. Smugglers use our borders to take fuel to other countries, hurting our economy and causing fuel shortages.
“As you’re witnesses today, we’re showcasing two significant seizures. Operation Whirlwind intercepted 590 jerry cans of PMS, while my Kebbi Area Command seized 839 jerry cans of PMS within my first three weeks in office. Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to stopping smugglers and protecting our economy.”
While speaking on the revenue generated within three weeks he assumed office, Ibrahim disclosed that the Command generated ₦25,621,609.26 in September, representing a 36.13% increase compared to the previous month of August.
He however handed over the seized donkey skins and Cannabis Sativa to the Nigeria Agriculture Quarantine Service and NDLEA, respectively.
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