The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 445 bags of parboiled rice in an operation lasting less than an hour along the Ogun Area Command.

Kola Oladeji, the controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday.

Mr Oladeji said the interception occurred early on Tuesday in the Ijohun axis along the Ogun border.

He credited the successful operation to intelligence reports received from stakeholders.

“Our officers intercepted a truckload of rice. As soon as the smugglers saw them, they fled, leaving the truck behind.

“The truck was stuck in a swampy area, so officers hired another vehicle to transport the seized rice to the unit for documentation.

“The 445 bags of rice have been forfeited to the federal government. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and no casualties were recorded,” he added.

He explained that smugglers usually comply with customs’ rules of engagement, while officers prioritise protecting lives and property.

Mr Oladeji praised the comptroller-general of customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for equipping the command and motivating officers, leading to impressive results.

He also acknowledged the support of stakeholders and traditional rulers in the zone for assisting customs operations.

The controller warned smugglers to embrace legal businesses and support Nigerian rice farmers instead of smuggling expired rice into the country.

Mr Oladeji urged them to invest in local farming and create jobs for Nigerian youths rather than supporting foreign economies like Thailand and India.

“Invest in legitimate business in Nigeria because we will not allow smuggling to thrive in this country,” he said. 

(NAN)