By Aminu Ahmed Garko
The Niger Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) realised N2.4 billion revenue in 2018.
Its Controller, Abbah Kassim, stated this in an interview in Minna on Friday.
The command supervises Niger, Kogi and Kwara commands of the service.
The controller said the command had introduced more comprehensive security measures to prevent all forms of smuggling in the area.
He said the area command had issued an order to officers deployed in border posts in Tungan Madugu, Kibira and Agbara Rofiya in Borgu Local Government area of Niger.
“The order was also sent to officers in border posts in Chikanda, Yashikira, Kuso Boso in Barutem Local Government area of Kwara State.
“We are fully prepared to end smuggling through our various strategies that will pave way for arrest and prosecution of smugglers,’’ the controller said.
Kassim solicited the support of traditional rulers and stakeholders in sensitising residents to the negative effects of smuggling on the nation’s economy.
“We have also reached out to youths in the border communities to assist our field officers with required intelligence information that will assist in curbing all forms of smuggling activities.
“The command is a no-go-area for smugglers as competent officers have been stationed on identified illegal routes of smugglers to ensure their arrest and prosecution,’’ he said.
He also solicited the support of stakeholders in mobilising residents to shun smuggling and embrace export of local goods.
The controller called on officers and men of the command to continue to put in their best, promising that hard working ones would be rewarded. (NAN)