Traders at the popular Bodija market, Ibadan, on Thursday, protested as a result of the invasion of the market by men of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), where they carted away hundreds of bags of rice.
Pacesetter news gathered that Customs officers in the early hours of Thursday stormed a shopping complex located at Bodija market in Ibadan to seize the rice.
It was learnt that the Customs officers invaded the complex opposite Arisekola Shopping Complex at Bodija Market and carted away tons of bags of rice between 12am to 3am during the raid.
Public Relations Officer of FOU Zone A, Mr. Theophilus Duniya in his reaction described the operation as a successful one.
He added that the operation was carried out in order to reduce casualties during confrontation with smugglers.
Duniya maintained that the NCS was empowered by the law to seize or intercept smuggled items anywhere in the country including warehouses or stores.
“I got a report now that men of the Oyo and Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in the early hours of this morning invaded a complex opposite Arisekola Shopping Complex at Bodija Market and allegedly carted away tons of bags of rice between 12am to 3am.
“I have confirmed from the office. It was a successful one. It was a successful operation.
“You know that there is ban on importation of foreign rice. This was done to empower local farmers.
“It was done to avoid casualties during confrontation with smugglers. That will serve as a deterrent to others. Such operation is backed by the law.
“NCS is empowered by law to seize smuggled items anywhere whether it is warehouse or shop.”
