Operatives of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted and seized a large consignment of used tyres totalling 2,290 pieces along the Saki axis of Oyo State on Monday.
The used tyres were found concealed in a DAF truck at about 9:45, according to the Area Command spokesman, Superintendent of Customs, Kayode Wey.
He said that the seizure was part of the command’s ongoing efforts to curtail the smuggling of prohibited items into the country, protect public safety, and promote the integrity of the Nigerian economy.
Also speaking on the seizure on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller, Dr Ben Oramalugo, stressed the illegality of the importation or smuggling of used tyres into the country as it poses risks to public safety.
Saying that their worn-out nature makes them unsafe for use on Nigerian roads, the Comptroller added that the successful interception of the items was a testament to the vigilance and dedication of the area command officers, who work tirelessly to prevent the smuggling of substandard and prohibited goods into and within Nigeria.
He revealed 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.
Dr Oramalugo said that the tyres were found hidden in a DAF truck by the smugglers in an attempt to evade detection by law enforcement officers.
He emphasised the seizure as a highlight of the importance of the area command’s continuous surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts.
The Comptroller stated that the Command is committed to ensuring that only legitimate goods are allowed entry into the country, adding that it would continue to strengthen its operations to combat smuggling activities across all fronts.
He warned smugglers and others involved in the illegal trade of prohibited items, reiterating the unrelenting efforts of the area command to bring offenders to justice and safeguard the nation’s borders.
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