The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted smuggled goods valued at N2.159 billion alongside undeclared foreign currencies in the two states.
The command’s Acting Area Controller, Usman Adamu, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Kano.
Adamu said the seizures included 1,491 cartons of foreign spaghetti with a value of N38.74 million and 2,928 packs of foreign macaroni with a duty-paid value of N280.73 million.
The command also intercepted 35 bags of foreign parboiled rice valued at N8.14 million and 19 bags of expired foreign parboiled rice worth N475,000.
“Other seizures included 3,000 jerry cans of foreign refined and packaged vegetable oil, valued at N431.85 million, and 514 cartons of assorted brands of soap, with a DPV of N38.07 million,” he said.
Undeclared Foreign Currencies
Adamu said the command also made significant interceptions as part of its efforts to combat money laundering and other financial crimes.
He disclosed that officers seized $73,300, £15,975 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals in cash after the currencies were allegedly not declared.
According to him, two suspects linked to the foreign currencies have been transferred to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
Wildlife Trafficking
The Customs command also reported a major wildlife trafficking interception involving several protected animals.
Adamu said officers recovered 15 primates, four wild cats, 25 wild birds, two albino crocodiles and a honey badger.
Three suspects were arrested in connection with the wildlife seizure and handed over to the Special Wildlife Office at the NCS headquarters for further investigation.
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“The animals comprised 15 primates, including chimpanzees, gorillas and bush babies; four wild cats, including civet and caracal cats; 25 wild birds, including greater bustards and rock fowls; as well as two albino crocodiles and a honey badger,” he said.
“This is believed to be the largest and most diverse single seizure of wildlife ever recorded in the history of the Nigeria Customs Service and probably the West African sub-region.”
Adamu said the interception reflected the command’s determination to curb illegal wildlife trafficking and protect Nigeria’s biodiversity.