The Kano area command of the Nigeria Customs Service said it generated N8.7 billion as revenue for January.

Customs area comptroller Dauda Ibrahim Chana disclosed in Kano on Wednesday that the area command covered Kano and Jigawa.

He said the command intercepted 6,830 cartons of dulux toffee, 42 cartons of milky candy and seven cartons of football milky candy.

He added that 17 cartons of Austrian milky candy, one used double-deck generator and one used outdoor unit air conditioner were also intercepted.

The comptroller said other seized items were five bags of foreign parboiled rice and 17 bales of second-hand clothes.

He said the command had introduced more sensitive security measures to prevent smuggling.

“We have already positioned our officers at strategic locations to deal decisively with all those involved in illegal materials. The area command has ordered the deployment of officers to border posts in Maigatari, Gumel local government area, Jigawa, to intensify efforts at mitigating the activities of smugglers.

“The order was also sent to officers at the Jeke outpost in Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa. We are battle-ready to end smuggling through our various strategies to pave the way for arrest and prosecution of those involved in illegal businesses,” he said.

Mr Chana appealed to traditional rulers and stakeholders, especially those in border areas, for their support in sensitising residents on the negative effects of smuggling on the nation’s economy.

“We have also reached out to youths in the border communities to assist our field officers with required intelligence that will assist in curbing all forms of smuggling activities.

“The command’s area of coverage is a no-go area for smugglers as competent officers have been stationed at identified illegal smuggling routes to ensure arrests and prosecution of offenders,’’ Mr Chana said.

He also solicited the support of stakeholders in mobilising residents to shun smuggling and embrace the export of local goods. 

(NAN)