By Our Correspondent
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, has intensified efforts against rice smuggling, citing its adverse effects on the economy and the local currency.
During a briefing in Ikeja, the Comptroller of the unit, Kola Oladeji, displayed bags of seized foreign parboiled rice intercepted along South West borders within 24 hours.
Officers noted that smugglers used smaller vehicles to transport the rice but abandoned them upon sighting Customs officials.
In the operation, the unit confiscated nine trucks, six buses, and several other vehicles loaded with contraband. The smugglers reportedly utilized bush paths near the Benin Republic border to evade detection.
Oladeji stressed the importance of curbing smuggling to support local rice production and reduce foreign exchange pressures.
He also acknowledged the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their collaborative efforts in these operations.
The Customs official reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance at border regions.
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