By Ahmed Ajikobi
The border drill operations North Central Zone, sector 3 Ilorin, Kwara State Command has made a siezures of 5,588 good items worth 127,222,800 Naira in various parts of the state.
This was made known to journalist by the border drill coordinator, who has newly been promoted to the post of Acting Assistant Comptroller General, Muhammed Uba Garba.
He disclosed that 1212 bags of fertilizers with a duty paid value of sixteen million nine hundred and six eight thousand naira was among the contrabands confiscated.
“As we know, the Federal Government has banned the importation of fertilizers because of its explosive nature. For those who follow history very well, the devastating fire out break at Beirut, Lebanon that killed over 100 people and destroyed an entire community was caused by ammonium nitrate, one of the compound used in manufacturing fertilizer.
“The Federal Government discouraged the importation of the fertilizers because of some unscrupulous elements in Nigeria who import them not for agricultural purposes but to perpetrate evil acts, based on this, clearance for importation of fertilizers must obtain approval through the office of National Security Adviser,” he added.
Garba further said that, other siezures were 2,794 bags of foreign rice, equivalent to 46 trailers, 114 cartons of HIV drugs without NAFDAC number, 55 units of various types of used vehicles, 118 bale of second hand clothing.
Others are 22 unit of used tyres,13 bags of foreign sugar, 608 Drums of PMS, 469 Jericans of 25 litres of AGO,17 motorcycle, 81 carton of foreign Juice,17 cartons of foreign Natural Water, 20 jerricans of 25 litres of Vegetable oil,31 bags of local maize and 17 bags of local beans.
He added that from July till date, the command has recorded 101 siezures of different items worth N127,222,800.
He warned communities hosting smugglers to stop seeing smuggling as means of livelihood and stop conspiring with the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
“I want to appeal to border communities most especially Bokoru, Alapa, Chikanda and Babanna axis to shun smuggling and not allowed their communities to be used.
“Communities leaders should rise up to the challenge and cooperate with the sector to check mate the activities of those who are into illegal business.”
Garba explained further, that, the operatives arrested 13 suspects in connection with the siezed goods but we’re given administrative bail.
He also stated that, 15 illegal migrants who are Benin Republic nationals who entered the country through bush path via Kabour-Okuta-Taso road were equally intercepted and repatriated.
