Customs ‘Strike Force’ Kwara Area Command Impound 513 Bags of Foreign Rice, Says It wouldn’t Deter By Smugglers Threats

The Nigeria Customs Service under its special team, codenamed “Strike Force” kwara area command zone B, Kaduna, Kwara States axis has confirmed the seizure of five hundred and thirteen (513) foreign parboiled rice intercepted around Jeunkunu-Malete-Bani axis of Kwara state.

Disclosing this to the journalists, Deputy Comptroller of Customs and Coordinator of the team in zone B, DC Olorukooba Oseni at the Customs Headquarters in Ilorin Kwara state on Tuesday said “at about 2100HR based on intelligent report of nefarious activities of economy saboteurs along Jeunkunu-Malete-Bani axis of Kwara, a team of officers were quickly dispatched to the area while TWO TOYOTA CANTER, one with Reg. No KCH 176 XAwhile the second one without number were intercepted”

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“A large quantity of foreign par boiled rice yet to be loaded into vehicles were also intercepted. On sighting the officers, the drivers to the two Canter trucks abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.”

“After a short period, the driver mobilized a large mob of organized smugglers and errant youths armed with sticks, stones and locally made weapons, to attacked the operatives but we immediately called for reinforcement from FOU, Customs Police, Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) and Kwara Area Command before we could evacuate and maneuver our way out”

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“After physical examination, a total of Five Hundred and Thirteen (513) bags of foreign par boiled Rice with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Twenty Two Million Five Hundred and Eighty one Thousand Five Hundred Naira(N22, 581,500) were discovered”

“This stride was made possible due to the resilience, commitment and dedication of our Officers and Men, who at the risk of their personal safety, put in their best to ensure that the job is done. We are determined to maintain the offensive against smugglers no matter the level of threats they continuously send our way”

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“I want to use this medium to reiterate that the current administration has zero tolerance for corruption and revenue leakages in all its ramifications and the Comptroller General Strike Force is committed to enforcing same”

“I also want to appreciate the support of the Comptroller General of Customs and his Management Team for their tireless support through effective supervision and provision of necessary logistics. I want to specifically appreciate the efforts of Kwara Area Command, FOU, JBPT and Customs Police for their supports”