The Nigeria Customs Service, Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, has caught smuggled goods valued at ₦721.9 million. These goods include second-hand clothes, cigarettes, and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Haliru Isah Abdullahi, shared this information on Thursday. He spoke during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Sokoto.
Abdullahi explained that the seizures came from stronger anti-smuggling efforts. These efforts aim to protect the country’s economy, secure its borders, and stop the flow of illegal goods.
He mentioned that the command continued its work despite security issues in some areas of the states they cover.
Items Seized
The items seized include a used DAF truck, 599 bales of second-hand clothes, seven sacks of second-hand women's bags, 43 cartons of cigarettes, and seven cartons of Akouna coffee.
The command also stopped several pharmaceutical products. These include 100 packages of quinine, 500 packages of amodiaquine, 140 packages of paracetamol, and 300 packages of anti-cold medication.
Other medical products taken included a carton of analgesic injections, two cartons of Dynewell syrup, one carton of Dynewell tablets, and one carton of Clear Cold.
Abdullahi stated that the total duty-paid value of the seized goods was ₦721,957,021.41.
He clarified that these seizures followed Sections 245 and 248 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. These sections give the service the power to take goods that should be forfeited.
Call for Support
The acting controller asked Nigerians to share reliable information to help the service fight smuggling and other illegal activities across the borders.
He warned that unregistered pharmaceutical products could harm citizens' health.
"Eradicating smuggling will stop people from consuming unregistered drugs that cause grave danger to the health of citizens," Abdullahi said.
He added that reducing illegal trade would also strengthen the economy and help the government provide essential services.
Abdullahi cautioned smugglers and their partners to stop their illegal activities. He emphasized that the command would not accept such actions.
"No matter their antics, we will continue to be a step ahead of them. The Sokoto/Zamfara Command under my watch will not be a safe haven for smugglers," he said.
He encouraged Nigerians to support the command by sharing information that could help their efforts.
The acting controller also praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the officers and men of the command, and other security agencies for their roles in the anti-smuggling fight.
He reaffirmed the command’s promise to support genuine trade, collect revenue for national growth, and minimize smuggling as much as possible.
"We will continue to facilitate legitimate trade, collect revenue for national development, and suppress smuggling to the barest minimum," Abdullahi said.
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