By Aliyu Usman
The Kebbi State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the generation of ₦13 million in revenue and the seizure of contraband goods worth ₦84 million in just one month under the leadership of Comptroller Chidi Chukwumeziri N.
Speaking at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, Comptroller Chukwumeziri attributed the successful operations to a seamless collaboration with sister agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Army (NA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He revealed that the confiscated items included firearms, fake drugs, and other dangerous goods, which were subsequently destroyed.
“We did not carry out these operations just for our children alone but for the safety of all Nigerians,” he stated.
Seized Items and Commitment to Lawful Trade
Under Nigeria’s customs laws, the Command also intercepted:
- Foreign rice
- Bales of second-hand clothes
- 20 cartons of light cigarettes
- 13,000 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol
- Other illicit goods being smuggled in or out of the country
Comptroller Chukwumeziri reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the confidence reposed in him by the Comptroller General of Customs, promising to build on the legacies of his predecessor, Mr. Iheanacho.
“I assured my predecessor that I would continue to support lawful trade at our borders, and that is exactly what I am doing today,” he said.
Synergy with Security Agencies
He commended the management staff and field officers of the Kebbi Command, noting that the strong synergy between the Command and other security agencies had been instrumental in ensuring successful operations and seamless seizures, despite the risks associated with tackling smuggling at the state’s borders.