Residents of Dankama, which is a border town with Niger Republic in Kaita Local Government Area of Katsina State, North-West Nigeria have pledged to continue working with the Nigeria Customs Service to secure the borders and engage in legal means of import and export business.
The residents who were reacting to a viral video with a narrative on alleged extortion by Customs officials from groundnuts and beans sellers along the Kaita-Dankama Road, which is also one of the closed borders in Katsina State confirmed that they have a cordial relationship with the Customs.
A visit to the Dankama land border shows that it is still closed confirming the statement by the Customs Area Comptroller, Dalha Wada earlier.
Wada also added that, mischief makers and selfish politicians are planning to use the campaign period to speak to the emotions of their supporters but, the Customs are on top of the situation.
Residents of the town were seen going about their normal businesses as observations show the hustle and bustle that characterised the atmosphere while the border area, was quite and calm.
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One of the residents and politician, Annas Salisu said continuous closure of the border really helped them to return to farm but pleaded with the government to reopen it even as they are always willing to cooperate with the Customs.
According to him, Customs laws are very clear on import and export procedures and that they have a huge responsibility to block any illegal means of import and export.
Other residents, Mas’udu Badamasi and Nura Salisu disowned the viral video saying, they at the border town are living cordially with the Customs operatives even since they were children.
They further pledged to support the anti-smuggling campaign of the Nigeria Customs Service and urged the Katsina State Government to contact the Federal Government and other concerned authorities to reopen the Dankama border in order to enhance and facilitate trade which will translate to more revenue generation for the country.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
