Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday said it intercepted about $6 million fake currency worth over N2.763 billion at Gbaji area of Badagry being  smuggled out of the country. 

The was even as the Command also seized 1300 by 30 liters jerry can of PMS equivalent 39,000 liters roughly over one fuel tanker of PMS from along the creeks with duty paid value of N9. 366 million only. 

Customs Area Controller Seme Command, Dera Nnadi, disclosed this while showcasing the seizures yesterday, at Seme border. He said that two suspects conveying the fake currency from Nigeria to the Republic of Benin were arrested. “Two male suspects were arrested in connection with the crime and are in currently in our custody pending prosecution.”

He said the suspects offered to bribe the Customs officers with $150,000 original currency in order to allow the fake currency passage but the officers rejected the offer.

“It took the eagle eye of a trained officer to detect that they are fake. Some of these currencies bear the same serial number, and besides that, it will be very difficult for you to identify them as fake.

“Also on January 31, 2023 at a about 0530 hours, officers on patrol along Gbetrome base intercepted six Maltese International Passports with the same picture of a lady but bearing different names, two  Senegalese International Passports , three Togolese International Passports, four Republic of Benin International Passports, one  Republic of Niger International Passport and ten International Driving License of these various countries from two male suspects who are also in our custody pending further investigation.

“Other items seized include 55 sacks containing 550 pieces of donkey skin with DPV of N11.371 million. The significance of the seizure is that it shows how much our endanger species are being eroded by unpatriotic elements. These achievements (progress) so far, were not made on a platter of gold. 

“It took the painstaking efforts of the officers who spend hours on patrol and surveillance to record the seizures. We wish to reiterate that we will not relent on this effort,” he added. 

Expressing delight at the high level of integrity of the Customs officers who facilitated the seizures, he hinted that he would write to the Customs management to reward their exemplary conduct.

On the non-functional scanners and weighbridge at the Seme Border post, the Customs boss said that his predecessor had made several interventions on the issue, even as he assured that the challenge will be communicated to the Customs management and the Ministry of Finance.

Sun