By Steve Oni, Ilorin
Nigeria Customs, North Central Joint Border Operations comprising Kwara, Kogi, Niger and Benue states in North Central Zone of Nigeria has seized a number of contraband items, including 57 vehicles of various types, 1,355 bags of foreign rice (50kg each), three long single barrel guns, knives and three cutlasses at the Lokoja axis of Kogi State, which, it said, had been handed over to the police in Lokoja.
Similarly, two long single barrel guns, eight life cartridges and one locally made pistol seized at the Kotangora axis of Niger State were reportedly handed over to the police in Kotangora.
Other seizures include 1,728 Jerry Cans of PMS/Engine oil (25 liters each),
155 Drums with Petroleum Product and Lubricant oil, 16 motorcycles used in smuggling rice, 12 bales of secondhand clothing and textile materials, 68 jerry cans of groundnut oil of 25 liters each,
322 cartons of foreign cosmetics,
nine cartons of foreign tin tomatoes, while seven Beninoise and 13 Nigerien illegal migrants captured have been repatriated.
Briefing journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, on Wednesday, Ag. Coordinator of the Joint Border Operations, Mohammed Uba Garba, said six suspects were also arrested, who were currently on administrative bail, adding that total Duty Paid Value of the seized items is N135m.
He said: “Apart from the arms, the seizures were made in different locations of Sector 3 of Joint Border Operations Drill.
“Joint Border Operations is always in military mood to ensure total compliance that will translate to effective revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, facilitation of legitimate trade and protecting our national security.
“The Sector 3 will continue to dialogue, engage, sensitise and educate the public on the reasons behind border closure which is aimed at social and economic stability of our dear nation, while enforcement of government policies will always be accorded utmost priority with strict adherence to extant laws and guidelines.”
The Ag. Coordinator commended the synergy between them and sister agencies, and other stakeholders, urging support and cooperation to ensure effective and efficient discharge of their statutory functions.
End
Photo caption: photos of some officials of joint border operations and some contraband items seized
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