Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), destroyed seized contraband, counterfeit and expired goods in Sokoto on Wednesday.

The NCS comptroller in charge of the Sokoto-Zamfara area command, Musa Omale, said the items were accumulated seizures by customs.

Mr Omale said the items were certified by NAFDAC as unfit for consumption, and the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) supported the exercise.

He added that section 245 of the NCS Act 2023 empowers the service to seize goods that contravene customs and excise laws and be disposed of in such a manner as the service directs.

The area controller warned smugglers to desist from the dastardly act, which, according to him, is inimical to the health of Nigerians and the economic growth of the country.

He further assured that as the gatekeeper of the nation’s border, the NCS would continue to ensure that goods that are unhealthy for human consumption and harmful to the economy do not cross the border.

Mr Omale solicited increased synergy among collaborating security operatives and Nigerians to rid the country of smugglers.

He assured NAFDAC of the command’s support for its fight against counterfeit drugs and warned smugglers to desist.

The controller stressed that the command was battle-ready to curtail the nefarious activities.

Garba Adamu, the NAFDAC coordinator in Sokoto, thanked customs for the unwavering synergy and collaboration toward safeguarding the life and health of Nigerians.

“Any food items or drugs that did not pass through NAFDAC scrutiny, registration and approval are deemed to be unfit for human consumption as their quality and safety are not guaranteed,’’ Mr Adamu said.

Items destroyed included unregistered tomato paste, condensed milk, alfakher shisha, ginger tea, Maggi and others, said customs.

The exercise was witnessed by the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Road Safety Corps and representatives of the State Emergency Management Agency. 

(NAN)