OWERRI - The Nigeria Customs Service, Zone “C” Federal Operations, realized N1.2 billion revenue in the first eight months of the year, its area comptroller, Dr Hussein Kangiwa has said.

Kangiwa told newsmen in Owerri that the command also impounded 11 vehicles with contrabands last month.

The customs comptroller said that three vehicles with contrabands were impounded along Benin-Ore highway while eight containers of assorted goods were seized in Owerri.

Among contrabands in the seizures were used tyres, clothing, detergents, ladies’ and men’s wears and assorted textile materials.

Kangiwa said that four persons had been convicted while cash offered as bribes to customs officials was retained as exhibit in the court.

He said that the command had intensified efforts to reduce the activities of smugglers in the 11 states of the South-East and South-South of its operation.

“We will not compromise in this illegal business; but, those with genuine business deals we will assist and encourage,’’ Kangiwa said.

He, however, said that its operation was being hampered by lack of operational vehicles for patrol duty.

He commended the efforts of the Customs Comptroller-General, Bello Ahmed, towards re-positioning the service.