Customs seizes ‘N2.16bn’ worth of goods, intercepts endangered animals in Kano
The Kano/Jigawa command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of smuggled goods “worth N2.159 billion” and undeclared foreign currencies.
Usman Adamu, the acting area controller of the Kano/Jigawa area command, spoke during a press conference in Kano on Friday.
Adamu said 1,491 cartons of foreign spaghetti valued at N38.74 million and 2,928 packs of foreign macaroni with a duty paid value of N280.73 million were among the items seized.
The acting controller said 35 bags of foreign parboiled rice valued at N8.14 million as well as 19 bags of expired foreign parboiled rice valued at N475,000 were seized.
Other seizures included 3,000 jerry cans of foreign refined and packaged vegetable oil, valued at N431.85 million, and 514 cartons of assorted brands of soap, with a DPV of N38.07 million,” he said.
UNDECLARED FOREIGN CURRENCIES
Adamu disclosed that as part of its anti-money laundering operations, the command intercepted undeclared foreign currencies.
The acting controller said $73,300, £15,975, and 827,800 Saudi Riyals in cash were seized.
Adamu said the two suspects connected with the foreign currencies have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano zonal directorate, for further investigation.
WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING
The acting controller said the command intercepted 15 primates, four wild cats, 25 wild birds, two albino crocodiles, and a honey badger.
Adamu said three suspects were arrested over the wildlife trafficking and handed over to the special wildlife office at NCS headquarters for further investigation.
“The animals comprised 15 primates, including chimpanzees, gorillas and bush babies; four wild cats, including civet and caracal cats; 25 wild birds, including greater bustards and rock fowls; as well as two albino crocodiles and a honey badger,” he said.
“This is believed to be the largest and most diverse single seizure of wildlife ever recorded in the history of the Nigeria Customs Service and probably the West African sub-region.”
He said the interception demonstrated the command’s commitment to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity.