Federal Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ in Kaduna has released an update on their activities spanning from February 17 to March 28, 2024.
During this period, the unit reported a significant crackdown, seizing a total of 98 items across 21 different categories. These items included contraband such as foreign parboiled rice, used foreign shoes, petroleum products, vehicles, and pasta, among others.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna, Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi highlighted the diligence and vigilance of the unit’s operatives in combating smuggling. Notably, the unit intercepted 372 bags of illegal rice, cleverly concealed within local flour sacks by smugglers attempting to deceive authorities.
Chedi emphasised the unit’s adaptability in countering the evolving tactics employed by smugglers. Despite facing challenges such as orchestrated attacks and illegal demonstrations, the unit remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the law and curb illicit trade.
A breakdown of the seized items includes 698 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 367 cartons of foreign spaghetti and macaroni, 136 bales of foreign secondhand clothing, among others. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the confiscated items amounted to N769,465,907.46.
Additionally, Chedi addressed concerns regarding the alteration of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) by smugglers to avoid detection. He urged citizens to verify VINs before purchasing vehicles to avoid legal repercussions.
Chedi commended the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) leadership for granting a 90-day window for vehicle owners to rectify duty documentation, emphasising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support in suspending penalties to alleviate citizens’ financial burdens.
