By Damilare Adeleye

Deputy Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, the Coordinator of Joint Border Patrol Team Sector II Southwest Zone of the Nigeria Customs Service, has announced the seizure of contraband items worth N1,128,684,900 within the last two months.

During a press briefing held at the Customs Training College Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, the Coordinator explained that the result of the operation was due to intensive patrol by officers and men attached to the team.

“The interception was across the border areas of the 6 states of the southwest geopolitical zones. 5 suspects were arrested in connection with some of the seizures, and they are currently undergoing investigation and prosecution,” he noted.

DC Shuaibu also stated that some illegal migrants were arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation.

The seized items include; 4,051×50kg foreign parboiled rice; 3751 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 425 cartons of frozen poultry products (which have been destroyed); 912 pieces of used tyres; 30 sacks of Cannabis Sativa (85 blocks and 125 wraps), means of conveyance 30 units; 7 Tokunbo vehicles; 1 truck and 4 units of motorcycles.

“With the Nigeria Immigration Service as a critical component of the JBPT, 30 illegal migrants suspects who violated immigration laws were arrested and handed over for further prosecution,” Shuaibu stated.

Speaking further, the Coordinator added that a total revenue of N11,533,217 was raised by issuing Demand Notices (DN) on vehicles and other goods improperly imported into the country.

He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for providing logistics, among other support, which has helped to achieve results.