By Samson Echenim

Ahead of the yuletide, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone A, Aminu Dahiru, has promised tough time for smugglers and duty evaders operating in the South-West region of the country.

Dahiru said this as he completed a tour of all formations  in the zone, charging officers and men of the zone to redouble their efforts in revenue collection, anti-smuggling operations, trade facilitation and self-development for improved productivity.

He said his zone which comprises customs formations in the South West was ready to intensify the fight against smuggling and duty evasion of any kind as no stone would be left unturned in the bid to ensure maximum collection of revenue due to the government.

Dahiru urged them to evoke the powers of Section 147 of the CEMA as amended to enter anywhere suspected of being used to warehouse smuggled goods and Section 157 to patrol anywhere in the country, adding “We are always aware that commercial activities at the ports and borders increase during the end of the year. Be vigilant not only to make seizures but also to arrests those behind the crime. We don’t have enough customs offenders in jails. This is one area we must improve.”