Customs intercepts vehicle with ‘N71m cash’ in Katsina

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has intercepted a vehicle with N71 million cash at a border area in Katsina.

Speaking with journalists on Monday, Dalhat Wada-Chedi, acting comptroller of the NCS, Katsina command, said the cash was intercepted in Jibia LGA of the state.

Wada-Chedi said the money has been deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), adding that an investigation into the incident is underway.

“We intercepted the money with the vehicle and also arrested the driver of the vehicle along Katsina-Jibia axis which is among the frontline areas affected by insecurity,” he said.

“This money was intercepted along the border area inside the boot of a Toyota Corolla vehicle following intensified effort of our operatives along that axis.

“As you know, the borders are still closed, and any person passing through the border must declare money above $10,000.

“We brought the money, the suspect and the vehicle, and we deposited the money at the CBN after we reported to our headquarters.

“We have offered an administrative bail to the suspect because the investigation is still ongoing. In fact, we have transferred the case to the headquarters.”

Wada-Chedi said the command also intercepted 230 parcels of Indian hemp worth more than N18.1 million in November.

“We also intercepted cartons of foreign milk creamer, kegs and sacks of petroleum products, diesel, second hand clothes and baby clothes,” he said.

“Also, pieces of three different types of jack knives and bags of tiger nuts with a total value of N46.5 million were seized in November.

“Within the month of November, we succeeded in arresting five suspects and different items worth over N176.4 million.”