7th May, 2015
The Nigeria Customs Service Anti-smuggling Taskforce on Thursday in Kano arrested three Chinese nationals for illegally importing printed textile materials worth billions of Naira to Nigeria.
The leader of the taskforce and Deputy Controller of Customs, Hassan Shallangwa, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kano.
He said the suspects were apprehended during “a specially arranged operation” following a tip-off.
“The four persons were arrested in connection with the illegal printed textiles materials,” he said.
He said the suspects illegally stored the materials at six ware houses located at Gandun Albasa commercial layout in Kano metropolis.
Shallangwa said 20 other warehouses located in various places in the metropolis were suspected to be stocked with the illegal items.
He warned that the Nigeria customs service would not fold its arms and allow any person or group of persons to continue to perpetrate acts of illegality in the country.
“Henceforth, any foreigner who violates the law of the land will not be allowed to operate in the country.
“Acts that are negatively affecting our economy will not also be allowed to thrive in the country,” he said.
Shallangwa said as soon as investigation was completed, the suspects would be charged to court for proper prosecution.
NAN reports that newsmen were later conducted round the six warehouses where the textile materials were illegally stored.