Oyo/Osun Customs intercepts 2000 bags of smuggled rice

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday said it had intercepted 2000 bags of smuggled rice.

The Command’s Controller, Mr Richard Oteri, made the disclosure at Abaja village, in Olorunsogo Council Area of Oyo State when he visited the scene of the interception.

He attributed the success of the operation to high-level intelligence gathering of the command and his men’s dedication to work.

“In the face of the Comptroller-General of Customs’ zero tolerance for rice smuggling, the service has continued to intensify efforts at border policing to keep unpatriotic Nigerians off this unwholesome business.

“I am happy to inform you that the command has recorded another breakthrough over these saboteurs who do not have the interest of the nation at heart.

“In the early hours of Tuesday, at 3:30 a. m, the command’s combined anti-smuggled teams intercepted 40 assorted vehicles loaded with smuggled imported rice after a week of effective surveillance and monitoring.

“It is worrisome that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose.

“Not even the Federal Government’s visible efforts in transforming the agricultural sector, especially in the area of rice production, have touched their conscience to avoid rice smuggling,” he said.

Oteri said that a similar interception of 21 bags of assorted rice was made in August and the command would continue to engage in aggressive patrol activities.

According to him, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dikko Abdullahi, has directed thorough investigation with a view to prosecuting all those who are found connected to the illegal act.