Sophia Michaels
Two stolen vehicles bearing the same number plates have been intercepted by the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The two vehicles are a 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Jeep model with chassis number JIEBXFJOAKOO7069 registered EPE-911-HH, intercepted at Chikanda border post in Baruten Local Government of the State, and one used Toyota Hiace bus with Chassis number TRH200155105 and with same registration number EPE-911-HH, also intercepted at Chikanda heading towards Benin Republic.
The command’s Comptroller, Kehinde Ilesanmi, disclosed at a press briefing in Ilorin on Tuesday that two suspects were arrested in connection with the incidents.
He said, “After preliminary investigation by our enforcement and legal unit, it was established that the two vehicles were stolen.
“In the spirit of inter-agency collaboration, the approval of the Controller General of Customs, CGC, was sought and received to hand over the two vehicles to the Nigeria police force for continuation of investigation.”
The two vehicles and the suspects were eventually handed over to operatives of the Lagos State Police Command after the briefing.
Ilesanmi further disclosed that the command generated N5.9 billion from June to October this year, surpassing the amount generated last year by N307.5 million.
According to him, three suspects were also arrested during the period under review, while 15 seizures, including foreign rice and petrol, were made.
The comptroller warned those who intend to use the yuletide period to make money by smuggling prohibited items to think twice.
He commended the CGC for giving the Kwara command an additional four patrol vehicles that would assist in achieving great results.
Ilesanmi reiterated the ban through the land borders on the importation of foreign rice, used vehicles, vegetable oil, second-hand clothing, used tyres, and other dangerous drugs is still in place.
