… Seizes Smuggled Goods Worth ₦84.2 Million
Author: Opeyemi Omodara.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, has announced the generation of ₦13,378,002 in revenue and the seizure of smuggled goods worth ₦84,219,654 within the past month.
Speaking at a press briefing held on Thursday, 20 March 2025, at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.
He noted that despite the challenges posed by the closure of the Tsamiya/Sebgana border, strategic partnerships with stakeholders have helped to sustain cross-border trade.
In line with its mandate to curb smuggling, the Command has intensified intelligence-driven enforcement and collaboration with sister agencies, including the NDLEA, NAFDAC, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army.
These efforts have led to the interception of 145 bales of second-hand clothing, 13,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 114 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 20 cartons of new light cigarettes, 70 packs of expired Biggy Vanilla Wafer Biscuits, 27 cartons of expired Sunwatt (AA) dry batteries, and 40 bags of 50kg foreign sugar.
According to Comptroller Nwokorie, the seized PMS, valued at ₦5.5 million, will be auctioned to the public, with proceeds remitted to the Federal Government.
The CAC assured legitimate traders of the NCS’s support, emphasising that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has initiated several trade facilitation programmes to ease business operations. He encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their businesses.
Since assuming office 42 days ago, Comptroller Nwokorie and his management team have visited various sister agencies in Kebbi State to strengthen intelligence-sharing and operational synergy. He has also inspected border posts, including Kamba, Dole-Kaina, Bagudo, Maje, and Lolo, to assess operational readiness.
Reaffirming his commitment to tackling smuggling, improving revenue generation, and fostering stronger inter-agency relationships, he stated:
“We are here to change the narrative. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that we fulfil our mandate to the nation.”
According to him, Kebbi Customs Area Command remains resolute in its mission to combat illicit trade while promoting legitimate business in alignment with national economic policies.
