The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confirmed that smugglers are now adopting a new tactic of using fake presidential number plates to deliver vehicles across the country.
The NCS Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “B,” Kaduna, Mr Chedi Wada made this revelation when he received Bashir Rabe-Mani, Zonal Manager (ZM), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Kaduna Zonal Office, who paid him a courtesy call in Kaduna.
According to Mr Chedi, “they have also been dubiously using fake number plates belonging to various state and local governments, MDAs, Emirate Councils, and other governmental institutions.”
He said, “Customs will not relent and will continue to do its best by not allowing smugglers to use the old tactics of using the presidential number plates and other governmental institutions to smuggle luxurious vehicles into the country.
“This is one of the menaces we are having. It is saddening how vehicle smugglers are ridiculing the apex seat in the country by using presidential fake plate numbers on newly smuggled cars to deceive customs.”
According to him, Customs are well-trained personnel who can easily identify fake numbers and cannot be played by the old tricks.
The comptroller said, “We are not happy with them; it is too bad for them to be playing with the presidency. That’s why we always put a heavy hammer on those using the presidency in false instances on smuggled vehicles.
“Let them respect the presidency; we must respect the presidency, which is leadership.”
Wada also disclosed that they have impounded lots of such vehicles with fake number plates, including those of local governments, ministries, and lots of government institutions.
He said that the service was saddled with the responsibility of suppressing anti-smuggling activities, revenue, and trade facilitation while implementing other governmental policies.
Acknowledging the role of the media in sensitisation, Wada said that the media has been assisting them in extending what they were doing to the public, decrying that many people do not understand what the rules of the Customs are and why certain actions are taken.
“Some will say Customs will come to their houses to take contraband, but all this will be amplified through the media on what the rules and regulations are.
“According to the Act of Customs, on getting intelligence, customs can enter the premises and take contraband away, possibly arresting and prosecuting.
“People expect customs to notify them of any planned seizure at their houses or shops or arrest. If I inform you that I am coming, what stops you from taking away the exhibit?”
He said that since he assumed duty in the zone six weeks ago, they have made a lot of impact, including the seizure of various items.
While noting that the system is working, Wada added that they undertake an investigation depending on what was obtained and possible prosecution.
The Comptroller further called on Nigerians to be interested in customs jobs and know what was happening at customs in all areas, including its social media platforms.
