The anti-smuggling task force of the Federal Government, code-named Joint Border Operations Sector 3, has intercepted a truck loaded with 140 bags of 50 kilogrammes foreign rice concealed in sharp sand.
The task force covering the North-Central states of Niger, Kwara, Kogi and Benue states intercepted the truck marked, ZAR 803 XA, in Kontagora, Niger State.
The coordinator of the sector, Mohammed Garba, said on Wednesday in Ilorin, Kwara State headquarters of the unit, that the smuggled rice were worth N2,142,000.
He added that in the last 40 days the JBOD generated a total Duty Paid Value of N1,207, 223, 380, while 53 suspects were arrested.
He said, “I want you to send this message to the enemies of Nigeria economy that this sector has stepped up measures to combat the influx of smuggled foreign rice and other prohibited items in to the country.
“Proven new strategies in line with world best practices in suppressing smuggling are being utilised and the support of the management team, led by the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (retd.), has enabled this sector to achieve great results.”
