In an effort to curb the influx of smuggled goods into the country, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again demonstrated its commitment by intercepting illicit items valued at ₦42.429 million in various locations across Kebbi State. The disclosure came from the Coordinator of Border Drill Sector 4 of NCS, covering the North-West axis, Kola Oladeji, during a press briefing held at the NCS headquarters in Birnin Kebbi. Oladeji, while addressing reporters, underscored the magnitude of the interception, revealing that a significant haul of contraband had been seized, with a duty-paid value totalling ₦42,429,534.63.
Among the seized items were 972,500 Packaging materials valued at ₦32,088,037.31, 16 bales of used clothing worth ₦5,284,700.00, 95 cartons of foreign spaghetti amounting to ₦1,192,360.44, and 65 jerry cans of vegetable oil valued at ₦3,864,436.88. The truck driver responsible for transporting the smuggled goods was promptly apprehended in connection with the illicit activity. Emphasizing the gravity of engaging in smuggling activities, Oladeji reiterated the stance of the NCS in upholding the law and protecting the nation’s Economy from sabotage. “This is the reward for being saboteurs of the nation’s economy; this is the reward for being smugglers,” he declared, highlighting the stringent measures taken in accordance with the Customs Act of 2023 to deter such unlawful practices.
NCS chief urges smugglers to shift to legit business.
Moreover, Oladeji extended a word of advice to potential smugglers, urging them to reconsider their illicit ventures and opt for legitimate business pursuits. He emphasized the readiness of the Customs Service to support Nigerians engaged in lawful enterprises, aligning with its mandate to facilitate economic growth. In light of the ongoing border closure directive by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Oladeji reminded the public of the imperative to comply with the regulations. He affirmed that the joint patrol, under his coordination, had been tasked with ensuring strict adherence to border closure measures to safeguard national interests.
Highlighting the adverse effects of Smuggling on local industries and food security, Oladeji condemned the clandestine exportation of locally produced goods, particularly rice, which exacerbates domestic scarcity. “If we don’t carry our foods to other countries, we will have sufficient food to eat in Nigeria,” he asserted, vowing to apprehend individuals involved in such illicit practices and seize the contraband. As well, Oladeji shed light on the evolving tactics employed by smugglers to evade detection, including the deceptive packaging of foreign goods within locally manufactured cartons. He disclosed that several seizures were made from various locations such as Yauri waterside, Bani, Ambursa, Bagudo waterside and Bunza, indicating the widespread nature of the smuggling operations.
Tactics and strategies in battling smugglers.
Also, he revealed that smugglers had resorted to unconventional means of transportation, utilizing horses and motorcycles to convey contraband across borders clandestinely. This revelation underscores the adaptability of smugglers and the challenges faced by Law Enforcement Agencies in thwarting their illegal activities. In addressing the issue comprehensively, it is imperative to explore strategies that the Nigeria Customs Service can employ to effectively combat smuggling and safeguard the nation’s economy. One approach involves enhancing intelligence-gathering capabilities through collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and leveraging Technology for real-time monitoring of border activities.
Additionally, there is a need for stringent enforcement of existing laws and regulations, coupled with the implementation of deterrent measures to dissuade potential smugglers. This may include imposing stiffer penalties on offenders, seizing assets acquired through illicit means, and enhancing border surveillance through the deployment of advanced scanning equipment and drones. Furthermore, initiatives aimed at promoting local industries and enhancing domestic production should be prioritized to reduce reliance on imported goods and mitigate the incentives for smuggling. This could involve providing incentives for local manufacturers, investing in Infrastructure to enhance productivity, and fostering partnerships with international organizations to promote Export opportunities for Nigerian goods.
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Then, Community Engagement and awareness campaigns play a crucial role in garnering public support and cooperation in the fight against smuggling. By fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens, authorities can enlist their support in reporting suspicious activities and discouraging involvement in illicit trade. In all, the interception of ₦42.4 million worth of smuggled goods in Kebbi underscores the ongoing challenges posed by smuggling activities and the imperative for concerted efforts to combat this menace. By adopting a multi-faceted approach encompassing intelligence gathering, enforcement, promotion of local industries, and community engagement, the Nigeria Customs Service can effectively tackle smuggling and safeguard the nation’s economic interests.