The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, said it seized and detained goods with a duty paid value (DPV) of N2.16 billion between July and August.

The acting Customs Area Comptroller of the command, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, disclosed this on Friday in Kano while briefing journalists on the command’s activities during the period under review.

Mr Adamu said the command generated N88.93 billion in revenue year-to-date, compared with N63.08 billion recorded at the end of June.

“July recorded the highest monthly revenue collection in the history of the command, with more than N14 billion generated.

“The command sustained enforcement operations to combat smuggling and ensure compliance with customs laws and regulations.

“The seizures include 1,491 cartons of foreign spaghetti valued at N38.74 million and 2,928 packs of foreign macaroni valued at N280.73 million,” he revealed.

Mr Adamu further explained that officials also seized 35 bags of foreign parboiled rice, including the means of conveyance, valued at N8.14 million.

He added that officials intercepted 19 bags of expired foreign parboiled rice valued at N475,000.

The acting comptroller said the command also seized 3,000 cans of foreign refined and packaged vegetable oil valued at N431.85 million.

“514 cartons of different brands of soap valued at about N38 million were equally intercepted.

“Eight suspected diverted transit trucks valued at N300.91 million and seven smuggled vehicles valued at N410.54 million were also intercepted,” he said.

He added that the command also seized unregistered pharmaceutical products comprising 712,690 tablets and 17,470 vials and ampoules.

“The pharmaceutical products have been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action,” he stated.

Mr Adamu also disclosed that the command intercepted 48 endangered wildlife species on Aug. 25.

He said the seizure comprised 15 primates, including chimpanzees, gorillas, and bush babies; four wildcats; 25 wild birds; two albino crocodiles; and a honey badger.

The acting comptroller said three suspects arrested in connection with wildlife trafficking had been handed over to the Special Wildlife Office of the NCS for further action.

Mr Adamu described the wildlife interception as a significant seizure, saying it underscores the command’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and enforcing relevant laws.

He said the command also intercepted 6,072 pieces of counterfeit agricultural packaging materials valued at N1.82 million.

Mr Adamu added that the command intercepted six diverted transit containers valued at N645.16 million during the period.

He said two suspects were also arrested with 993.9 metres of 150-square-millimetre aluminium conductors suspected to have been vandalised from a highway power line.

According to him, the conductors, valued at N2.88 million, will be handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further action.

Mr Adamu said the command intercepted undeclared foreign currencies comprising $3,800, £215,975, and 3,827,800 Saudi riyals.

He said the currencies and two suspects had been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, for further action.

Mr Adamu expressed concern over some intercepted smuggled vehicles using government official number plates to evade customs control.

He said the command would continue to monitor the trend and take appropriate action against those involved.

The acting comptroller urged members of the trading community to comply with customs laws, procedures, and requirements to avoid unnecessary delays and disruptions to legitimate businesses.

He said the command would continue to support legitimate trade through trade facilitation initiatives, including the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), advance ruling, and one-stop-shop arrangements.

Mr Adamu also urged stakeholders to seek clarification from the service whenever necessary and familiarise themselves with relevant customs laws and procedures.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the service’s management for their support and guidance.

He also appreciated officers and men of the command, sister agencies, stakeholders, and the media for their support and collaboration.

The acting comptroller said the command would continue to strengthen its enforcement activities while facilitating legitimate trade in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

(NAN)