By Seun Ibiyemi
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.22 billion and the generation of N28.5 billion in revenue between March and May 2026.
Speaking during a press briefing in Ibadan on Wednesday, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, said the achievements were recorded through sustained intelligence-driven operations, enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies, and the dedication of officers and men of the command.
Adewole disclosed that the command intercepted a wide range of smuggled items, including 1,537 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 102 bales and 13 sacks of used clothing, 56 sacks of used shoes, 1,105 used tyres, 462 used compressors, 106 bags of sugar, foreign spaghetti and macaroni, as well as prohibited drugs and firearms.
Other seized items included 1,769 wraps of cannabis sativa, thousands of sachets and packs of Tramadol, 142 cartons of pharmaceuticals, Rohypnol, Colorado, Canadian Loud, and three pump-action rifles. Several vehicles used for smuggling activities were also impounded.
According to him, the cumulative DPV of all the seizures amounted to N3,221,843,672, noting that the interceptions helped protect the nation’s economy, safeguard local industries, enhance public safety and frustrate the activities of criminal elements.
The acting controller revealed that three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure of the pump-action rifles and are currently under investigation.
He said the command is working closely with relevant units of the service to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attempted smuggling of the firearms and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
He further disclosed that the command, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps in Ibadan, apprehended another suspect for allegedly defrauding members of the public by falsely promising recruitment into the Nigeria Customs Service in exchange for money.
Adewole warned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters, stressing that recruitment into the Customs Service is transparent, merit-based and conducted strictly through officially approved channels.
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On revenue generation, he stated that the command collected N28.5 billion between March and May 2026, representing an eight per cent increase over the N26.23 billion generated during the corresponding period in 2025.
He attributed the revenue growth to the commitment and professionalism of officers, as well as the cooperation of compliant stakeholders and members of the trading community.
The customs boss reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, protecting national security and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
He also commended officers and men of the command for their dedication and announced that deserving personnel would receive commendation awards in recognition of their outstanding service and professionalism.
