The Kano Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service said it generated N78.524 billion revenue between January and September.

Mr Dauda Chana, the Area Comptroller, Dauda Chana, stated this during an interview on Wednesday in Kano.

The Kano area command covers Kano and Jigawa states.

Mr Chana said there was a significant increase in the revenue generation profile of the command.

The comptroller said the area command introduced more sensitive security measures to prevent all forms of smuggling in the area.

He said, “We have already positioned our officers at strategic locations to deal decisively with all those involved in illegal smuggling of materials. The area command has deployed officers at border posts in Maigatari, Gumel Local Government Area, Jigawa, to intensify efforts at mitigating activities of smugglers. The same applied 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.’’

Mr Chana appealed to traditional rulers and stakeholders, especially those at border areas, to sensitise their residents to 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,’’ he said.

Mr Chana said that the command’s area of coverage was a no-go area for smugglers, as officers had been positioned to identify illegal smuggling routes to ensure arrests and prosecution of offenders.

He solicited the support of stakeholders in encouraging residents to shun smuggling and embrace export of locally produced goods.

(NAN)