THISDAY

Customs Returns Six Confiscate­d Trucks of Grains to Owners in Katsina

- Francis Sardauna

The Katsina Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over six confiscate­d trucks of assorted grains to owners in the state in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive.

Speaking while handing over the grains to the rightful owners yesterday, the Area Controller of the command, Mohammed Umar, said the release of the seized grains to the owners was in compliance with the presidenti­al directive.

He said Tinubu had directed the Nigeria Customs Service to return the grains to the owners on the condition that they would be sold in the Nigerian markets to ensure food security and assuage the hardship faced by Nigerians.

He averred that the command, in collaborat­ion with the Customs Intelligen­ce Unit (CIU), Federal Operation Unit, and the joint border patrol team, would monitor the trucks to ensure that they are not smuggled out of the country.

He explained that the Service under the leadership of Mr. Adewale Adeniyi and his management team was committed to fostering a constructi­ve dialogue and collaborat­ion with the border communitie­s to ensure security and prosperity in the country.

Comptrolle­r Umar said: “Following the directive of the Commanderi­n-Chief of the Arm Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release all assorted grains under the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service, we are hereby today (Wednesday) formally hand over six trucks and containers to owners.

“The CGC, during his official working visit to Katsina, passed across the presidenti­al directive, which mandated the returns of detained food items to owners on the condition that they are to be sold in the Nigerian markets.”

He added that: “The response to the presidenti­al directives is to ensure food security and alleviate the hardship faced in the country.”

He, however, called on the general public to provide credible informatio­n to the Nigeria Customs Service that will assist in curtailing the smuggling of food stuffs and other essential commoditie­s out of the country.

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