Coordinator joint border drill operations, code named “swift response” sector 3, Ilorin, Kwara state, Compt. Mohammed Uba Garba, Tuesday said his team has uncovered new antics being employed by smugglers to carry out Illegal activities which include use of Camel through bush paths.
He warned those he described as “die-hard smugglers” to embrace legitimate means of doing business or be ready for a hard time with the border drill operations team.
Garba who spoke at the palace of the district head of Babana in Niger state Alhaji Isah Yerima as parts of ongoing visit to border communities in Niger state.
This was contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer Chado Zakari made available to Journalists in Ilorin.
The Sector 3, Border Drill Operations covers North Central States-Kwara, Niger, Kogi and Benue State.
The customs boss decried the attitude of die-hard smugglers who are still operating in that axis despite the border closure.
He said that perpetrators and economic saboteurs have deviced new means of using bush-paths, Motorbikes and Camels to carry out their nefarious activities.
He frowned at such acts and vowed that there is no retreat on the fight against smuggling in whatever disguise.
Garba appealed to the community, district Head and the general public to embrace legitimate means of livelihood and to avoid smuggling in all its ramifications.
He declared that the Sector 3 eagle eye is all around these axis and other axis, as we are battle ready to halt all the new techniques initiated by economic saboteurs to perpetuate their illicit acts.
The coordinator announced that the movement of all types of vehicles/Boat used for transportation of Petroleum Products across the land borders and water ways within 20KM radius has been restricted and anyone caught violating this order will be prosecuted and Jailed.
In his response, the district head of Babanna, Alhaji Isah Yerima confirmed that the security situation in the community has improved since the border closure and pledged to assist security agencies in this National Assignment to succeed.
He promised to enlighten the community and its environs on the benefits of border closure and dangers of smuggling.
The tour of the Sector Coordinator is expected to continue with the sensitization program to other communities in Kogi state and Ogoja/Adipo axis of Benue state.
