Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Agency reports
Published on 2024-02-20 08:24:38
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano Area Command, has announced the interception of four trucks carrying food items as part of its efforts to tackle smuggling. This announcement was made in a statement by the Spokesman of the Service, Saidu Nuradeen, on Tuesday in Kano.
The intercepted vehicles were transporting a significant quantity of food items intended for illegal export along the Hadejia – Taura – Ringim axis in Jigawa. The items seized include 1,505 cartons of big and small-sized dried fish, 17 bags of local variety rice, and two bags of beans.
According to Nuradeen, the seizure underscores the relentless effort of the Service to enforce the border closure policy aimed at safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring food security. He emphasized that smuggling undermines legitimate trade channels, poses risks to public health, and deprives the government of much-needed revenue. The NCS reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combat smuggling activities across all entry points into the country. The public was urged to provide credible information to enable the Service to stem smuggling, and Nuradeen reiterated commitments to curb illicit activities to protect local industries and enhance food security.
Meanwhile, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone B, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, IQ Ibudu, urged the Maigatari border community to be vigilant and abide by the land border closure in line with ECOWAS directives. She emphasized that the government has adopted proactive measures to address social and economic challenges affecting the country.
The Controller of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Dauda Ibrahim Chana, encouraged border communities to cooperate with the Service and other security agencies to safeguard border posts. He assured them that the Service was committed to addressing their needs, especially in terms of community relations.
The Nigeria Customs Service plays a crucial role in the enforcement of trade regulations and the prevention of illegal activities that could harm the country’s economy. The interception of the four trucks carrying food items demonstrates the Service’s dedication to ensuring that the nation’s borders are secure and that smuggling activities are curtailed. By seizing these illegally transported food items, the NCS is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate any actions that undermine legitimate trade or threaten the country’s food security.
It is important for members of the public to support the efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service by providing valuable information that can help in preventing smuggling activities. Collaboration between the Service, other security agencies, and the border communities is vital in ensuring that the nation’s borders are effectively protected. Additionally, the commitment of the NCS to enhancing community relations and addressing the needs of border communities is essential in fostering cooperation and mutual support in the fight against smuggling.
The interception of the four trucks of food items is a significant accomplishment for the Nigeria Customs Service and reflects its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and enhancing food security. As the Service continues its efforts to combat smuggling, it is essential for all stakeholders to play their part in supporting these crucial activities.
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