The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, has confiscated contraband goods valued at over N769 million, emphasizing strict enforcement measures and issuing a stern warning against the tampering of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs).
During a press briefing held on March 28, 2023, at Kangiwa House, Kaduna State, Comptroller Chedi Wada of the Unit disclosed that a total of 98 seizures involving 21 different items were carried out during the reporting period. The seized items comprised a variety of goods, including foreign parboiled rice, spaghetti, macaroni, secondhand clothing, premium motor spirit, refined vegetable oil, vehicles, means of conveyance, pharmaceuticals, milk products, tires, tiger nuts, alcoholic beverages, butter, expired general goods, soap, sodium sulphate, dye powder, cement used for concealing illicit items, assorted general goods intercepted for improper export, and unregistered organic fertilizer.
Of notable concern was the interception of 372 bags of rice disguised as flour sacks by unit operatives and subsequently deposited at the Kwara Area Command. Comptroller Wada emphasized the pivotal role of an effective intelligence network in thwarting smuggling activities, reaffirming the commitment of the service to combat illicit trade despite resistance from entrenched smugglers.
Addressing the issue of altered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) used by smugglers to evade detection, Comptroller Wada underscored the legal ramifications associated with such actions. He urged citizens to diligently inspect VINs on both windshields and chassis of vehicles prior to purchase, citing the offense as stipulated under Section 236 (b) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which carries penalties including a fine of N2,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of two years, or both.
Furthermore, Comptroller Wada encouraged the public to utilize the 90-day grace period provided to rectify improperly imported vehicles, acknowledging the government’s efforts to alleviate financial burdens by suspending penalties on such imports.
