In a recent crackdown, Nigeria Customs’ Federal Operations Unit (FOU) seized nine trailers loaded with parboiled rice and 5,459 bags of foreign rice, along with various prohibited items valued at over N872 million within a month.
Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Hussaine Ejibunu, expressed concern over the surge in foreign rice smuggling during the festive season. He emphasized the commitment of officers to safeguard the economy and prevent the entry of harmful products into domestic markets.
Ejibunu highlighted the role of ingenious concealment in smuggling operations, citing the arrest of a Toyota Highlander and the discovery of hidden foreign parboiled rice in Ogun State. The total seized goods included rice, premium motor spirit, used clothes, frozen poultry, compressors, used tires, used vehicles, and frozen fish.
The duty-paid value of the seized goods reached N872.575 million, with 11 suspects arrested. Additionally, N71,254,984.71 in revenue was generated through meticulous documentary checks and issuing demand notices for consignments with insufficient customs duty payments.
Addressing the public, Ejibunu urged citizens to collaborate by providing timely information to aid anti-smuggling efforts. He warned warehouse owners against harboring prohibited goods, emphasizing potential legal consequences after investigations.
