The Joint Border Patrol Team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has caught 34 illegal migrants and seized a large amount of smuggled goods. This operation shows the continued efforts to fight smuggling and illegal activities along Nigeria’s borders.
Among the seized contraband were 816 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 802 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 285 bales of second-hand clothes, and other prohibited items. These seizures reflect the NCS’s commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and security.
Speaking in Lagos, Deputy Comptroller Mohamed Shuaibu, the team’s Coordinator, praised the increased patrols, ongoing surveillance, and better intelligence gathering for the success of the operation. He stressed that these efforts are crucial in breaking up smuggling networks and ensuring the country’s stability.
“In our unwavering commitment to combating smuggling, we are safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and ensuring national security. Our efforts to disrupt smuggling activities align with the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance stance on these crimes,” Shuaibu stated.
He also pointed out the wider impacts of smuggling, saying that these activities harm the economy, increase insecurity, and take advantage of vulnerable people. Thanks to the hard work of Customs officers, the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of goods seized in the past month has reached N556.43 million.
Shuaibu also revealed that the NCS earned N8.02 million from selling seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which couldn’t be stored because it is highly flammable. This income highlights the proactive steps taken to manage confiscated goods efficiently.
The Joint Border Patrol Team’s success reflects the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and illegal migration. Such measures are crucial for protecting the nation’s economy and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.