Customs intercepts trucks of food items in Kano

By Abiodun OBA

As part of its efforts to check smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano Area Command has intercepted four trucks loaded with fish, beans, and local variety of rice along Hadejia – Taura – Ringim axis in Jigawa State.

Spokesman of the Service in Kano, Saidu Nuradeen listed in a statement on Tuesday 1,505 cartons of big and small-size dried fish, 17 bags of local variety rice, and two bags of beans as items intercepted.

According to him, the seizure underscores the relentless effort of the Service to enforce the border closure policy aimed at safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring food security.

“Smuggling undermines legitimate trade channels, poses risks to public health and deprives the government of much needed revenue.

“The NCS reiterates its unwavering commitment to combat smuggling activities across all entry points into the country.

While urging members of the public to provide credible information to enable it to stem smuggling, Nuradeen reiterated commitments to curb illicit activities to protect local industries and enhance food security.

The Zonal Coordinator, Zone B, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, IQ Ibudu urged the Maigatari border community to be vigilant and abide by the land border closure in line with the ECOWAS directives.

She said that the government adopted proactive measures to address social and economic challenges bedevilling the country.

The Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Dauda Ibrahim Chana, enjoined border communities to cooperate with the Service and other security agencies to safeguard border posts assuring them that the Service was committed to address their needs, especially in terms of community relations.