Nigerian Customs Seizes Poultry Products in Seme

NIGERIA - Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized prohibited frozen poultry products worth five million naira (NGN) along bush paths used by smugglers around the border between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
calendar icon 25 July 2014
clock icon 3 minute read

The seized consignment, Daily Independent investigation revealed, was ostensibly targeted at sales during the forthcoming post-Muslim fasting festivities.

According to Public Relation Officer of the Command, Ernest Olottah, "Smugglers in an attempt to beat the various patrol teams of the command, brought the poultry products through bush paths which are unapproved routes, but were shocked to see our officers who are keeping vigil at all possible areas of passage.

Also, the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Willy Egbudin who supervised the destruction of the poultry products described the seizure as a warning signal to desperate smugglers who, during every festive period push their unlawful trade far by daring the resolve of the customs.

"This seizure is a warning signal to anyone who attempts to dare us during festivities or any other time of the year, because we are aware of their antics, our men are deployed in the bushes while normal patrol and manned approved check points are sustained."

"Our Comptroller General’s zero-tolerance for smuggling is being pursued with renewed vigour and zeal, therefore any attempt to undermine our presence will be dealt with in line with the Customs and Excise Management Act."

"As we destroy and bury these seized frozen poultry products today, we will keep advising everyone to shun illegalities and invest their resources in legitimate trades.’’

"Laws being enforced by customs is no respecter of persons and we will continue to give our best in carrying out the directives of the CGC to the fullest. There will be no hiding place for smugglers at the border," he said.

Mr Egbudim also used the opportunity to remind youths of border communities to resist any attempt to be lured into smuggling or any act that can place them on the wrong side of the law.

Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing to unmask and arrest owners of the vehicles used for the illicit activities and the buried poultry products.

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