Kebbi state command of the Nigeria Customs Service has said that within two months of its anti smuggling operations around Kebbi borders, it has successfully seized 39 lumps of Indian hemp, 212 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 20 bales of used second hand clothes, 78 rolls of Diclofenac, 150 expired powdered milk, 10,025 litres of premium motor spirit among other seized contraband items.

Speaking at the command, in Birnin Kebbi, the state Comptroller of Customs, Mr Ernest Iheanacho Ojike, stated that the feat was achieved within two months as incharge of Kebbi command.

The customs chief added that the duty paid value of the seized item stood at N126 million, saying the remarkable achievement was as a result of the resilience and courageous efforts of the intelligence unit and joint patrol team.

In the area of revenue generation, the customs boss said that due to reopening of Kamba border, the command was only able to generate N7m but with continuous operation, the revenue will improve as grain importation remains banned to ensure food security in the country.

While handing over the seized expired items and hard drugs to NAFDAC and NDLEA, he said, “What is happening now is the manifestation of existing synergy between the two sister agencies in the state which is also the implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed between them.”

Responding, the Kebbi state coordinator, NAFDAC, Alhaji Muyideen Sulaiman thanked the command for the kind gesture, pledging that the items will get the treatment it deserves by the agency.

He added that the relationship between customs and the agency will continue to grow in all relevant aspects.

“On behalf of the Director General of NAFDAC, I Sulaiman has received the seized drugs and the expired powdered milk that is injurious to the unsuspecting members of the public,” he said.

The maiden press briefing was attended by top customs management, senior officials of NAFDAC and NDLEA in Kebbi state on Friday.