The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, found illegal goods worth over N769 million in Kaduna state.
The head of the Unit, Comptroller Chedi Wada, shared this information with reporters, in Kaduna.
During the period, the unit seized a total of 98 items, including foreign rice, spaghetti, secondhand clothing, petrol, vegetable oil, used vehicles, and more.
They also seized items like alcoholic beverages, butter, expired goods, soap, and cement, which were being smuggled in various ways.
Comptroller Wada highlighted the importance of having accurate information to apprehend smugglers effectively, warning individuals engaged in smuggling activities that their actions would not deter the unit from carrying out its duties.
“I say to those die-hard smugglers that sponsor mobs to attack our operatives and/or organise to stage illegal demonstrations against us, that they cannot and will not discourage and deter us from carrying out our job”.
He said smugglers should either start trading legally or face the consequences of breaking the law.
He also cautioned against changing Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to avoid detection.
“Let me use this opportunity to draw the attention of the public concerning the act of altering VIN (Chassis Number) of vehicles by smugglers to evade arrest or to manipulate the payment of duty”.
“I want the concerned citizens to always examine the VIN on the windscreen and that on the chassis (skeleton) of the vehicle they intend buying because it is an offence under Section 236 (b) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the offender is liable to a fine of N2, 000,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of two years, or both”.
Comptroller Wada encouraged people to use the 90-day window provided by the government to legalize improperly imported vehicles.
He mentioned that the government had suspended penalties to ease the financial burden on citizens.
