By Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Sokoto Command comprising Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States, has intercepted 585 bags of foreign rice hidden in a petrol tanker with a duty paid value of N11 million.
Addressing journalists in Sokoto on Monday, the Customs Area Controller of the command, Mr. Nasir Ahmad, said the contraband was intercepted last week along Koko-Yawuri road in Kebbi State.
According to him, the vehicle was heading to Suleja in Niger State when it was intercepted by Customs officers following a tip-off in Kebbi State.
He explained that the tanker, which was supposed to be carrying petrol, was loaded with the 585 bags of rice and as such posed serious risk to the health of the citizens.
Ahmad disclosed that four people were arrested in connection with the contraband while the owner had already disappeared.
“We have already arrested four suspects and they are currently in our custody while we are on the trail of the major owner of the contraband. We will soon get him to face justice,” he said.
Details later…
