The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Oyo/Osun Area Command has intercepted and seized a large consignment, containing 2,290 pieces of used tyres smuggled into the country.
The Area Controller for the command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, made the disclosure in a statement yesterday, by the Service Public Relations Officer, Kayode Wey, a Superintendent of Customs.
Oramalugo stated that the consignment was intercepted during an operation in the late hours of Monday, August 12, 2024, at about 9:45 pm on the Saki axis of Oyo State, which resulted in the seizure of the 2,290 pieces of used tyres concealed in a DAF truck.
According to him, the seizure was part of the command’s ongoing efforts to curtail the smuggling of prohibited items into the country, “thereby protecting public safety and promoting the integrity of the Nigerian economy.”
Oramalugo pointed out that, “importation and smuggling of used tyres into the country is illegal. It poses significant risks to public safety, due to its worn-out nature, which makes it unsafe for use on our roads.”
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He attributed the successful interception of the items to the vigilance and dedication of officers of the command, who worked tirelessly to prevent the smuggling of substandard and prohibited goods into Nigeria.
Oramalugo added that the used tyres were discovered during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by one of the numerous anti-smuggling teams of the command.
“Upon inspection, the tyres were found hidden within a DAF truck in an attempt to evade detection by law enforcement officers,” he said.
Oramalugo added that the command was committed to ensuring that only legitimate goods were allowed entry into the country, and would continue to strengthen its operations to combat smuggling activities across all fronts.
He warned smugglers and those involved in the illegal trade of prohibited items, saying the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service would not relent in its efforts to bring offenders to justice and safeguard the nation’s borders.
Oramalugo also urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to smuggling in a bid to assist the command in combating smuggling and protecting public safety.
Source: The Sun
