By Giwa SHILE
The Niger Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it realised N1.7 billion revenue from January to October this year, its Comptroller Abbas Kassim has disclosed.
Kassim made the disclosure in Minna on Wednesday, said the command comprises Niger, Kogi and Kwara.
“Our projected revenue target for 2018 is N3.7 billion but we have so far achieved 47.3 per cent of the revenue figure,’’ Kassim said.
The comptroller said that the command had introduced more sensitive security measures to prevent all forms of smuggling in the area.
“We have positioned our officers at strategic locations to deal decisively with all those involved in the illegal business,” he said.
He said that the area command had ordered officers deployed to border posts in Tungan Madugu, Kibira and Agbara Rofiya in Borgu Local Government area of Niger to intensify efforts in preventing smuggling.
“The order was also sent to officers in border posts in Chikanda, Yashikira, Kosubosu in Barutem Local Government area of Kwara for same reason.
“We are battle ready to end smuggling through our various strategies, in place to pave way for the arrest and prosecution of smugglers,’’ the comptroller said.
Kassim solicited the support of traditional rulers and stakeholders in sensitising residents on the negative effects of smuggling on the nation economy.
“We have also reached out to youths in the border communities, to assist our field officers with required intelligence information that will assist in curbing all forms of smuggling activities.
“The command is no go area for smugglers as competent officers have been stationed on identified illegal routes of smugglers to ensure their arrest and prosecution.’’
He also solicited the support of stakeholders in mobilising residents to shun smuggling and embrace export of local goods.
