Assorted grains were returned to owners in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive.
The Katsina Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over six confiscated trucks of assorted grains to owners in the state in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive.
Speaking while handing over the grains to the rightful owners Wednesday, the Area Controller of the command, Mohammed Umar, said the release of the seized grains to the owners was in compliance with the presidential directive.
He said President Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Customs Service to return the grains to the owners on the condition that they would be sold in the Nigerian markets to ensure food security and assuage the hardship faced by Nigerians.
He averred that the command, in collaboration with the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), Federal Operation Unit, and the joint border patrol team, would monitor the trucks to ensure that they are not smuggled out of the country.
He explained that the Service under the leadership of Mr. Adewale Adeniyi and his management team was committed to fostering a constructive dialogue and collaboration with the border communities to ensure security and prosperity in the country.
Comptroller Umar said: “Following the directive of the Commander- in-Chief of the Arm Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release all assorted grains under the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service, we are hereby today (Wednesday) formally hand over six trucks and their contains to owners.
“The CGC, during his official working visit to Katsina, passed across the presidential directive, which mandated the returns of detained food items to owners on the condition that they are to be sold in the Nigerian markets.”
He added that: “The response to the presidential directives is to ensure food security and alleviate the hardship faced in the country.”
He, however, called on the general public to provide credible information to the Nigeria Customs Service that will assist in curtailing the smuggling of food stuffs and other essential commodities out of the country.