ASHENEWS reports that the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has foiled luxury car smuggling, as it seized 11 luxury cars in the month of November.
Significant among the seized vehicles is a smuggled 2019 Range Rover that had a diplomatic vehicle registration number plate.
The command also intercepted 317 packages of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 254.6 kilograms, valued at N20.6 million.
During a press briefing in Minna on Tuesday, the Customs Niger/Kogi Controller, Comptroller Budayo Kadejo revealed that there were other seizures and detentions made in November.
These, according to him, include a truck loaded with dutiable items, jerry cans containing fuel, and a truck carrying Nigerian Railway Corporation locomotive parts, commonly referred to as “slippers.”
Kadejo said that the cumulative duty paid value of all the seized items amounts to N56.6 million, adding that the command managed to recover a total revenue of N10 million from demand notices.
Comptroller Kadejo emphasized that the importation of vehicles through the borders without following due process remains prohibited.
“The interception of the smuggled 2019 Range Rover with a diplomatic vehicle registration number plate raises serious security concerns.
“The use of diplomatic plates poses a significant risk, as such vehicles are not subjected to thorough searches. It is crucial for the public to be aware of this issue, and security personnel need to be vigilant, as criminals are finding ways to evade scrutiny.
“The successful interception of this vehicle highlights the boldness and effectiveness of the customs officers involved,” the Comptroller said.
Comptroller Kadejo took the opportunity to issue a warning to smugglers and criminal elements, regardless of their social status, that they would not be spared.
