Customs Area Comptroller in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, Mohammed Kabir on Friday appealed to traditional rulers to join in the fight against smugglers in the area.
Kabir said in Sokoto that the command was ready to prevent smugglers from ruining genuine businesses in the states.
He said that effective operational guideline to check smuggling activities had been issued to the officers posted to the borders areas to ensure the arrest and diligent prosecution of smugglers.
“We will do all that we can to prevent any form of smuggling business because we cannot be intimidated by any smugglers.”
He explained that well coordinated security methods had been adopted to confront smugglers in their nefarious acts.
He called on traditional rulers to properly educate their subjects on the negative effects of smuggling on the national economy.
He observed, with concern, that some communities in the frontline border areas were aiding and abetting smugglers.
“We will do all that we can to prevent smuggling business activities and arrest as well as prosecute those behind the illegal business,” he said.
He advised the royal fathers in the various border communities to sensitise the people to the need to shun smugglers who approached them for assistance.
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