In its efforts to rid Kano markets of contraband goods, the Nigerian Customs Service (NSC), Kano/Jigawa area command, with support from the Department of State Services (DSS), have raided Singer commodity market in Kano state.
During the operation, three suspects were arrested and some contraband goods worth N1.4million evacuated from the market.
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Speaking with Daily Trust on the development, the area controller, Comptroller Nasir Ahmed, said the essence of the operation was to send a signal to those who import the contraband goods as well as those who retail them that the NCS was watching closely and would not relent on its effort to nip the menace of smuggling into the country.
“We want to send a signal to people that they cannot violate laws and go scot-free. We had an agreement with the leadership of Singer market which they are adhering to, but the small business holders are abusing the privileges given to them by engaging in the distribution and sale of contraband goods,” he said.
He said the action of the marketers was doing great harm to the nation’s economy, as such the NCS will do everything to safeguard the interest of the nation and that of the unborn generations.
On what the Customs was doing while the goods were being smuggled through the borders, Mr Ahmed said the men and officers were doing their best on the borders, but due to the support smugglers were getting from border communities, the problem persisted.
“Recently, smugglers attacked our men and people on the Niger side of the border assisted the smugglers to the extent that they dragged our vehicle into Niger republic and vandalized it. So you can see how hostile some of our neighbours have become because of the ban on importation of rice, which they see as against their interest,” he said.
He added that the operations in the markets were to complement the efforts at the borders, saying, however, without retailers, smuggling will not thrive.
Mr Ahmed said the suspects will be investigated, and if found guilty, will be taken to court for prosecution.
On their part, the suspects, Akibu Alasan, Auwalu Shehu and Yahuza Muhammad Sani, all alleged that the goods impounded in front of their stalls belonged to some drivers who brought them at night and keep for a while before handing them over to owners.
