Harboursandport.com: Oyo State, Nigeria – June 18, 2026: The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Oyo/Osun Area Command, has announced significant anti-smuggling successes, intercepting contraband goods valued at over N3.2 billion and arresting suspects linked to firearms trafficking and fraudulent recruitment schemes.
Speaking at a press briefing, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, Acting Customs Area Controller, said the Command remains committed to revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade in line with the reform agenda of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Adewole disclosed that sustained intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies led to the interception of a wide range of prohibited items. These included 1,537 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 102 bales of used clothing, 1,105 used tyres, 462 used compressors, 106 bags of sugar, and 48 cartons of foreign spaghetti.
Other seizures comprised 505 bottles of foreign vegetables, 1,769 wraps of Cannabis Sativa, 2,158 sachets and 3,437 packs of Tramadol 250mg, expired pharmaceuticals, and assorted vehicles including a Fiat Tipper Truck, Toyota Corolla, GMC, Toyota Hiace buses, and Opel Astra.
The Command also recovered three pump-action rifles, leading to the arrest of three suspects now under investigation. Adewole confirmed that the Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit, and Legal Unit are working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attempted smuggling of firearms.
In another operation, the Command, working with the Amotekun Corps in Ibadan, apprehended a suspect involved in fraudulent activities and impersonation.
The suspect allegedly defrauded members of the public by claiming to facilitate recruitment into the Nigeria Customs Service in exchange for money.
Adewole reiterated that recruitment into Customs is transparent, merit-based, and conducted strictly through official channels.
The total Duty Paid Value, DPV of the seizures stood at N3.2 billion which Adewole said represents a major blow against economic saboteurs and criminal networks.
On revenue generation, the Command collected N28.5 billion between March and May 2026, an 8% increase compared to N26.2 billion generated during the same period in 2025. Adewole attributed the achievement to the dedication of officers and cooperation of compliant stakeholders.
As part of efforts to encourage professionalism, the Command presented Commendation Awards to officers who distinguished themselves through exemplary conduct and service delivery. Adewole said the awards aim to motivate personnel to uphold integrity, discipline, and excellence.
He expressed appreciation to stakeholders, sister security agencies, the business community, and the media for their continued support, noting that such partnerships remain vital to the Command’s success.
Adewole assured the public that the Oyo/Osun Area Command will remain resolute in combating smuggling, protecting national security, and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“These interceptions safeguard our economy, protect local industries, enhance public safety, and frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to protect lives and secure legitimate trade,” he concluded.
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