Customs Seizes ₦2.53bn Contraband, Generates ₦14.7bn Revenue in Oyo/Osun

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, has recorded major breakthroughs in its anti-smuggling operations, intercepting contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦2.53 billion.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Command’s operational headquarters in Ibadan on Thursday, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Wale Adewole, disclosed that the seizures were made across various locations in Oyo and Osun states through intelligence-driven operations.

According to him, the intercepted items include 1,603 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 123 bales and 18 sacks of used clothing, 88 sacks of used shoes, and 1,351 pieces of used tyres. Other seized items include 206 used compressors, 2,270 packs of foreign textiles, and 20 bags of sugar.

The Command also confiscated illicit drugs and petroleum products, including 1,144 wraps of cannabis sativa, alongside variants such as Colorado and Canadian Loud, as well as 3,300 packs and 2,140 sachets of Tramadol (250mg). Additionally, 692 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), equivalent to 17,300 litres, were intercepted.

In the area of vehicular seizures, the Command impounded several vehicles, including a Lexus Jeep, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Hiace Bus, DAF truck, Toyota Avensis, and Chevrolet car. Other means of conveyance seized include a Toyota Highlander, Mazda 626, Mitsubishi Canter, and others used in smuggling operations.

Adewole noted that the total DPV of the seizures stands at ₦2,531,091,846, emphasizing that the successes were achieved through coordinated patrols and sustained surveillance in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

On revenue performance, the Controller revealed that the Command generated a total of ₦14.75 billion within the review period, marking a significant increase from ₦10.1 billion recorded during the same period in 2025.

“This represents a 46.22 per cent increase in revenue generation, underscoring our commitment to blocking leakages, enforcing compliance, and facilitating legitimate trade,” he said.

Adewole issued a stern warning to smugglers and economic saboteurs, stressing that the Command would not relent in its efforts to combat illegal activities and protect the nation’s economy.

He also called on members of the public to support the Service with credible intelligence, noting that compliance with import and export regulations remains the best way to avoid sanctions.

The Acting Controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his strategic leadership and support, as well as traditional rulers and stakeholders across Oyo and Osun states for their cooperation in promoting lawful trade.

He further commended the media for their role in disseminating accurate information to the public, which he said has contributed to increased awareness and compliance.

WM ADEWOLE

Deputy Comptroller of Customs

Ag. Customs Area Controller

Oyo/Osun Area Command