#TrackNigeria The Inter-Security Task Force set up by the Federal Government to conduct joint border security in four geopolitical zones have arrested 100 illegal migrants, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has said.
The NCS Public Relations Officer Mr Joseph Attah made this known in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.
Attah said 8,360 of 50kg bags of parboiled foreign rice and 122 bags of fertilizer were seized by operatives at various zones.
According to him, other items seized are 77 vehicles, 781 drums filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) as well as 16,371 empty 200 litres drums to be used for smuggling of PMS and 1,491 packs of assorted drugs.
Attah added that three outboard 40HP Engines, 13 cotonu boats, 185 drums of groundnut oil, six trucks, 114 motorcycles among other items were also confiscated.
He disclosed that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd), Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mohammed Babandede and the Coordinator of the exercise, Brig.-Gen Emmanuel Ndagi, had commenced on the spot assessment to find out level of implementation and compliance.
The spokesperson said the exercise was intended to better secure the borders, boost national economy and strengthen border security.
Attah appealed to Nigerians, especially members of the business community to see the exercise as an opportunity to further create a conducive environment for local businesses to thrive in the overall interest of national security and development.
The exercise involves the NCS, NIS, the Armed Forces, Police and other security and intelligence agencies.
The intensive joint border patrol is being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in the four zones of North West, North Central, South West, and South South. (NAN)