Customs intercepts smuggled rice, other items in ingenious concealment by smugglers

The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigerian Customs has intercepted foreign rice and other contraband items in ingenious concealment of smugglers.

At a recent media briefing held on December 5, 2023, the Acting Controller of the FOU Zone ‘A,’ Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, shed light on the interception operations against smuggling activities. 

Ejibunu highlighted the pivotal role of ingenious concealment in facilitating smuggling operations, enabling illicit goods to evade detection by authorities. 

Emphasising the illegality of smuggling, he underlined the adverse social, economic, and security implications associated with such criminal activities.

The Acting Controller expressed the commitment of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ to enhance detection methods through intelligence-driven approaches. 

This commitment recently led to the apprehension of a Toyota Highlander at Iju-Ojuore, Ogun State, concealing suspected bags of foreign parboiled rice.

The seized goods, including 5,459 bags of foreign rice, 18,100 liters of premium motor spirit, 376 bales of used clothes, 1,926 cartons of frozen poultry products, 337 pieces of used compressors, 3 X 40 ft containers with 3,838 used tires, 13 used vehicles (Tokunbo), and 396 cartons of frozen fish, reflect the unit’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s economy.

The total duty paid value of the confiscated items amounted to N872,575,250. Additionally, 11 suspects were arrested in connection with these operations.

Addressing revenue generation, Ejibunu reported that N71,254,984.71 was generated through meticulous documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices on consignments that had paid insufficient Customs duty.

The Acting Controller urged citizens to collaborate in the fight against smuggling by providing timely and useful information.