Minna – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Niger Area Command, has intercepted a truck loaded with 300 bags of foreign rice worth N5.1 million along Kontagora road in Niger.

Mr Benjamin Binga, Comptroller of Customs for Niger, Kwara and Kogi disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Thursday.

He said that the officers on patrol intercepted the Volvo truck with registration number SUL 616 XA loaded with the prohibited items.

The controller called on smugglers to desist from their activities and embrace the agricultural policies of the Federal Government aimed at revamping the economy.

“The Federal Government is trying to encourage local production of rice so that we can be self-sufficient and conserve foreign exchange.

“The command will continue to protect the borders and thwart the illegal activities of smugglers. No hiding place for smugglers in this command as all identified illegal routes have been blocked,’’ he said.

The controller appealed to traditional and community leaders especially in border communities to assist government in its efforts to curb smuggling.

“I am appealing to the citizens, especially residents of border communities to assist us with require information on movement of smugglers,’’ he pleaded. (NAN)