The Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made significant seizures, including eleven exotic cars, and a smuggled 2019 Range Rover with a Diplomatic vehicle registration number plate.
Customs Niger/Kogi Controller, Budayo Kadejo, revealed the interceptions during a press briefing in Minna. In addition to the luxury vehicles, the command confiscated 317 packages of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 254.6 kilograms, valued at N20.6 million.
Controller Kadejo reported other detentions, such as a truck laden with dutiable items, Jerry cans containing fuel, and a truck carrying Nigerian Railway Corporation locomotive parts, known as slippers.
The cumulative duty paid value of the seized items reached N56.6 million, with the command recovering a total revenue of N10 million from Demand Notices.
Emphasizing the ban on importing cars through borders without due process, Controller Kadejo highlighted the security concerns posed by the use of diplomatic plates.
He expressed worry about the potential misuse of such vehicles in criminal activities, underscoring the need for increased vigilance.
He stated, “The security implication of the use of diplomatic plates is very disturbing. If someone is kidnapped and put in this vehicle, no one would search it.”
He commended the boldness of his officers in intercepting the smuggled Range Rover with a diplomatic plate and issued a stern warning to smugglers, emphasizing the Customs Service’s commitment to implementing the federal government’s fiscal policies and confronting economic saboteurs.
