Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dikko Abdulahi has warned owners of commercial buses operating in the South Western area against allowing smugglers use their vehicles to conceal and transport smuggled poultry products into the country
Dikko, who gave the warning while announcing that the operatives of the NCS had seized frozen poultry products worth N35.6 million in the fourth week of operation Hawk Descend, said those who fail to desist from such act would face the consequence of losing their vehicles and possibility of a jail term.
According to a statement signed by Deputy Public Relations officer of the NCS, Joseph Attah, Dikko said the figure indicates a sharp increase when compared to the report of week three which had Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N28. 6million.
He said the seizures which consist of 5,472 cartons of frozen poultry product, were made at Idiroko bush path in Ogun State, Agbeji/Ife axis in Osun State and Seme axis in Lagos State all around the South Western area of the country.
A breakdown of the seizures showed that Western Marine command impounded 3,221 cartons; Federal Operations unit, (FOU) Zone ‘A’ – 1,220 cartons; Ogun Command – 820 cartons; Oyo/Osun command – 120 cartons and Seme Command – 91 cartons.
The Customs boss assured that the re-invigorated collaboration between the Customs Administrations of Nigeria and Benin Republic will help deal decisively with the crime of smuggling from both sides of the border.
By Pita Ochai
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