By Uzor Odigbo
Sequel to efforts in checking the excesses of smugglers within the border posts, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Mohammed Garba Uba has approved a clamp down on all illegal routes and had commissioned Seme-Krake border post. Speaking recently, the Controller reiterated the need to streamline the human trafficking and smuggling through unapproved routes in the Nigerian, which he said will encourage trade. He explained that considering the fact that Nigeria and Republic of Benin have common trade relationship, it would be necessary to close every illegal routes between the two neighbors. Uba stated that he will ensure that all movement of cargo and persons are channeled through the joint border post. The Controller said it is pertinent to note that, in order to curb crime, we frustrate Smuggling activities due to the fact that they use the busy border arena as an advantage to bring into the country prohibited goods. The Controller said the directive is coming as a result of the Joint Border Post (JBP), inauguration of its first management meeting held in the Command, where Comptroller Mohammed Garba Uba was co-chairman.He emphatically stressed that all illegal routes must be completely sealed by January 2019, for easy clamp down on every economic saboteurs involved in perpetrating illegal transactions within the border posts.He said to avoid illicit traders having field day is to fully seal off illegal routes to prevent further damage to the Nigeria economy, adding that Seme is the busiest border for trade within the sub-region, he said