The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Katsina Command, has handed over six intercepted trucks of assorted grains to the rightful owners in the state as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a press statement signed by the Command's Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe, the Command, in collaboration with the Federal Operations Unit Zone B, had earlier intercepted the six (6) trucks on the 18 of February 2024 along Kwanar Gwanti, Dogon Hawa road Mai, adua Local Government Area of the state on their way out of the country.

Handing over the grains to the owners on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Umar, explained that following the directive of President Tinubu to release all assorted grains under the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service, "Today, we hereby formally hand over six trucks and their contains to owners."

"The Comptroller General of Customs (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 to ensure food security and alleviate the hardship faced in the country." He added. 

He stated that to ensure compliance, the Command would collaborate with the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), Federal Operation Unit (FOU B), and the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) to monitor the sales of the released grains to ensure that they are not smuggled out of the country. 

The CAC highlighted that the service under the leadership of the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team are committed to fostering constructive dialogue and collaboration with the border communities to ensure security and prosperity in the country. 

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

Receiving the items on behalf of the owners, the Chairman of Mai’adua Local Government Area, Hon. Salisu Mamman NaAllah expressed gratitude to the President for the kind gesture while assuring that the owners of the released grains will adhere strictly to the presidential directive.

He extended appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs for his recent visit to the Mai’adua Community and his prompt positive response to complaints. Also, he commended the effort of the Katsina Customs Area Controller for his cordial relationship with the border communities.