Customs in Katsina State strikes again: Intercepts smuggled petrol, items worth over N50.4million

• As DC Wada gives illicit traders tough time

(Report by Udeme Clement)

Smugglers operating within Katsina State must be counting their losses by now, as the Customs Area Controller (CAC), of Katsina Command,
DC Dalha Wada Chedi, is leaving no stone unturned in tackling illicit trade in the area.

DC Wada, who is known as a no-nonsense enforcement officer and his men just Intercepted smuggled petrol and other prohibited items worth N50,378,800.00 (approximately N50.4million), in Duty Paid Value (DPV).

Addressing Journalists in Katsina State, DC Wada showcased seizures of vehicles; 32jerrycans of petrol; 486 bags of foreign rice – 50kg each; 197 jerrycans of vegetable oil; 98 bags of foreign sugar; 304 cartons of spaghetti; cartons of foreign couscous; tomato paste; and other consumable items, seized from April 19, 2021 to May 4, 2021 (just one month).

Other seizures made by Katsina Command within this short period included vehicles like; Howo Tipper Truck; Toyota Corolla; Man-Diesel Tipper 32240; Honda Accord EOD; Volkswagen Passat; one Peugeot 504 and Space Wagon Bus.

Speaking further, DC Wada, who is on Acting capacity, vowed that the dare-devil smugglers sabotaging the nation’s economy will not have any breathing space in Katsina, as his men are strategically positioned to thwart their nefarious activities.

The CAC informed: “After careful analysis of all the seizures, we valued the goods, as well as the properties seized in DPV of N50.4million”.

The Katsina Customs boss reiterated his commitment to raise the tempo of anti-smuggling drive, in order to curtail influx of offensive items into the economic environment.

His words: “The Service will not relent in sensitising people about the dangers of smuggling and the economic implications. The Service remains committed in the fight against smuggling in all ramifications.”

He enthused: “However, we will continue to ensure legitimate trade facilitation for genuine businesses and local industries to thrive.

Recall that this latest report on N50.4 million seizures from Katsina is coming just few weeks after the same Command, under the watch of DC Wada, made mind-boggling seizures
of 40 gas cylinders and other items worth over N58.5millon in DPV, even as two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

The anti-smuggling onslaught unleashed by DC Wada on economic saboteurs since he took over the Command is a strong warning signal for smugglers to flee, as Customs operatives in Katsina are battle-ready to give illicit traders a hard time.