The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it confiscated a total of 206,835 bags of rice with a value of N4,731,285,707 billion during 1,745 anti-smuggling operations conducted nationwide within a one-year period.

This information was disclosed by CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Customs, during a discussion with journalists on Tuesday.

The raids took place between May 2022 and May 2023. Maiwada further revealed that the NCS anti-smuggling operatives achieved significant results, seizing 3,744 bags in 72 raids in March and 6,585 bags in 75 raids in April 2023.

Maiwada emphasized the Customs’ commitment to fighting the smuggling of foreign rice and other prohibited items into Nigeria, supporting agricultural production, and protecting the economy.

The Nigeria Customs Service has been actively cracking down on smuggling activities, urging businesses to engage in lawful trading practices and warning potential smugglers of the consequences they would face if caught.

Nigeria’s rice production has shown growth in recent years, and the country has set ambitious targets for increasing domestic production under schemes like the anchor borrower’s program.