4 Chinese nationals arrested for smuggling prohibited textile materials

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Friday, May 8, said that it arrested four Chinese for alleged smuggling and storing prohibited textile materials in private warehouses at Gandun Albasa commercial Layout of Kano State.

This is contained in a statement signed by NCS Deputy Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah, in Abuja.

It stated that Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, NCS Comptroller-General, coordinated the seizure and arrest of the suspects in the operation led by Hassan Shallangwa, a Deputy Comptroller.

The statement stated that Abdullahi had received tip-off that smuggled textile materials were being stored in some private warehouses.

It stated that Abdullahi investigated and sent undercover operatives to monitor the area.

The statement stated that Abdullahi had directed the Anti-Smuggling Task Force to storm the area, seize the smuggled goods and arrest all those connected to it.

It decried foreign nationals disrespect for the laws of the land by engaging in activities that could negatively affect the ongoing efforts of the government to industrialise the country.

"We are Nigerians and have no other country to call our own, hence will not tolerate any person no matter where he comes from to disrespect the laws of our country,” the statement said.

So far, six warehouses have being opened and found to be fully stocked with smuggled assorted textile materials. Over 20 other warehouses are suspected to be containing same items.

"All the warehouses are sealed and investigation into these illegalities has already commenced.’’

It stated that the NCS Valuation Unit was presently working on the quantity and value of the seizure.

The statement assured law abiding businessmen and women that they had nothing to fear as the service is not out to witch-hunt any person, but determined to cripple illegitimate businesses.

It stated that the Chinese nationals will be charged to court.