The Nigeria Customs Service on Wednesday said its Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara commands had intercepted 506 bags of imported rice.
The rice was concealed in bags of beans while being smuggled into the country.
Nasir Ahmad, zonal commands controller who made this known while addressing members of the press in Sokoto, also added that the duty value payable on the seized contrabands is N12.5 million.
Mr Ahmad said the successful interception and seizure of the consignments which happened on Friday took place along Sokoto-Illela road.
He noted that the NCS has competent intelligent officers investigating specialized activities.
The customs officer said the smugglers deployed different tactics in carrying out their illegal businesses.
He further urged residents of border communities to join hands with NCS by providing useful information to aid their combat against smuggling.
Mr Ahmad assured Nigerians that the customs authorities are ready to put an end to smuggling and enforce government regulations.
“The present case is different as smugglers packaged two bags of rice in bigger beans bag disguising that they were conveying beans in the truck,” Mr Ahmad said.
According to him, smugglers are using various structures, including residential buildings, to store smuggled items in piecemeal before uploading to a truck.
Mr Ahmad commended the Comptroller-General and officers of the service for their contribution towards the fight against smuggling, an illegal act which he stated as one of the challenges that has been affecting the nation’s economy.
NAN
