Kebbi Customs Command Reports Third Quarter Success in Revenue Generation and Anti-Smuggling Efforts

Kebbi Customs Command Reports Third Quarter Success in Revenue Generation and Anti-Smuggling Efforts

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kebbi Area Command has recorded significant achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations during the third quarter of 2024. Speaking at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, Customs Area Controller Comptroller Iheanacho Ernest Ojike detailed the Command's progress and reinforced the agency's commitment to combating smuggling.

 Revenue Generation Efforts

Despite challenges such as low import volume through the Command’s primary border at Kamba, the Kebbi Command generated a total of ₦36,223,554.50. Comptroller Ojike attributed this success to increased engagement with stakeholders and ongoing efforts to educate trading communities on compliance and safe importation practices.

In a notable development, the Command is actively supporting the reopening of the Tsamiya-Sebgana border as a “one-stop border post,” a streamlined approach expected to eliminate unnecessary documentation and facilitate trade. This initiative aligns with the directives of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and is anticipated to boost revenue further.

Anti-Smuggling Operations and Seizures

The Command achieved substantial progress in anti-smuggling efforts with several high-profile seizures. Comptroller Ojike highlighted the role of the special “Whirlwind Team” in reducing petroleum smuggling activities in Kebbi State. Created by the Comptroller General, the team uses intelligence to intercept petroleum products smuggled out of Nigeria, a practice that often contributes to fuel scarcity.

During the third quarter, Kebbi Customs intercepted:

- 367 bales of secondhand clothing

- 16,300 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)

- 74 cartons of various medicaments

- 8 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each)

- 180 pieces of donkey skin in nine sacks

- 2 liters of Oxidized Nitric Acid (35kg each)

- 1 DAF truck and a Toyota Corolla used for smuggling

The total duty-paid value of these seized items is estimated at ₦323,065,567. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and granted administrative bail pending further investigation and legal action.

Interagency Collaboration and Public Safety

In line with federal directives, the Command is set to hand over 180 donkey skins and 74 cartons of medicaments to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This collaboration reinforces Customs’ commitment to interagency cooperation in safeguarding public health and curbing smuggling.

Comptroller Ojike warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities, affirming that Customs officers are well-equipped to intercept any smuggling operations. He expressed gratitude to the media, sister agencies, and patriotic citizens for their support in sharing intelligence to combat smuggling.

 Commitment to Kebbi State’s Security

Ojike concluded by pledging the Command's continued dedication to revenue generation, compliance, and the protection of Nigeria’s economy and public health. He called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, reinforcing the Command’s commitment to a smuggling-free Kebbi State.

The Nigeria Customs Service applauds the efforts of all stakeholders who contributed to these achievements and remains committed to upholding the safety and economic stability of Nigeria.