The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, on Monday received 50 Toyota Hilux vehicles donated by the Federal Government to combat smuggling.
The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Aminu Dangaladima, appreciated the support of President Muhammadu Buhari and restated the determination of the officials of the service to curb rice smuggling to achieve food sufficiency.
“The Service took delivery of 50 Toyota Hilux Patrol vehicles and is today issuing the first batch of 20 that have been painted and equipped for anti-smuggling Patrol.
“We are aware that apart from the 50 already supplied, approval has already been given for another 68 Patrol vehicles in addition to 70 Patrol vehicles being purchased for the joint rice task force.
“This unprecedented approval, making a total of 188 Patrol vehicles, by the Federal Government is the needed motivation to go all out and win the war against smuggling, “Mrs Dangaladima said.
Mrs Dangaladima urged all Customs Area Controllers to ensure proper use of the vehicles to curb smuggling activities in their Commands.
“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to members of the public, especially the border community to support the Service by providing useful information that will help nip smuggling in the land,” he added.
Deputy National Coordinator, Strike Force, Assistant Comptroller Kolade Kayode, received the Patrol vehicles on behalf of the Strike Force said.
He said the Strike Force was determined, able and willing to carry out its duty.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. We are even increase efforts to achieve greater result in tracking smuggling in the country,” said Kayode.
NAN
