Niger/Kogi Command Records 65 Seizures Worth Over N200 Million in 2023…details

The Niger/Kogi Command of the Nigeria Customs Service said it made 65 seizures with a cumulative Duty Paid Value of N206,301,933.00 only in the year 2023. The Command also recovered N77,271,851.00 only, principally from Demand Notices (D/Ns).

The Customs Area Controller of the Command (CAC), Comptroller Busayo Kadejo, stated this on Tuesday during a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters, Minna, Niger State.

According to the Customs Area Controller, in December 2023, the Command, in its anti-smuggling activities, recorded seizures and detentions, including 8 units of exotic cars and other vehicles of different make, displayed within the Office premises.

Other seizures recorded at various places within the Area of Control during the period under review include 35 Jerry-Cans of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, 25 Liters each, already auctioned due to its inflammatory nature after permission for disposal was sought and approval granted by the CGC, with the accrued proceeds paid into the Federation Account.

He said the cumulative Duty Paid Value of all the seized items in December 2023 amounted to N194,780,000.00 only, while recovering a total sum of N12, 605,439.00 only, principally from Demand Notices (D/Ns).

While stating a commitment to fighting smugglers, he urged the public to support the Command by providing credible information. The CAC noted that the Federal Government’s directive on border closure is still in force in Babanna, the only border station in the Command.

“Our job is to execute government policies. This is a stern warning to smugglers that we will always discover all their illegal routes and ways used in smuggling, make seizures, effect arrests, and cripple their operations. To be forewarned is to be forearmed”, he warned.