Goods worth N2.9 billion have been seized by the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) through the Joint Border Security Drill also known as operation ‘Swift Response’ since the partial border closure by the Federal Government.
The spokesperson of the operation, who is also the Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Joseph Attah, stated this on Wednesday.
Attah also disclosed that 47,000 bags of foreign rice and 467 fairly used vehicles,10,553 jerry cans of petrol and 1,012 drums also containing petrol were also confiscated.
Further speaking, the Customs PRO said that the joint operatives had also arrested 296 illegal migrants at various borders.
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He explained that the recent seizure and the revenue realized by customs were indications that operation swift response was efficient and effective since the border closure.
Stressing further, he noted that those who could no longer smuggle things in a way that they would evade payment of duties had been forced to re-route through seaports and airports.
Adding that such people were now paying duties which explained the increase in the revenue being generated.
“Those who are desperate are attempting to smuggle through seaports and airports like the interception of frozen chickens and meat at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos recently.
“I cannot remember when last customs records such seizure of frozen chickens at an international airport like the way we just did.
“That tells you how effective the operation swift response is.
“This joint operation is paying off because the porous borders that customs could not effectively cover before are now well manned by the joint operatives and we’re going after the smugglers,” he said.
