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By Victor Babayemi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has announced the seizure of smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦478,171,315, following intensified anti-smuggling operations across the state.
Speaking during a news conference on Wednesday in Ilorin, the Area Acting Controller of the Command, DC Najeem Ogundeyi reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to combating smuggling and protecting Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that the briefing came barely two months after the Command’s previous update to the media, where the Service had talked extensively about several operational successes.
He regretted that despite repeated warnings to smugglers, some criminal elements have continued attempts to bring prohibited and restricted goods into the country.
“Smuggling activities will not be tolerated under my watch, and Kwara Area Command will not serve as a safe haven for illegal trade. Our officers remain resolute in enforcing the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he warned.
After the briefing, the Command displayed several items seized during recent anti-smuggling operations across various patrol bases in the state.
The seized items include:Five units of second-hand vehicles popularly known as Tokunbo vehicles, intercepted at Alapa Patrol Base and Bode Saadu axis; 60 sacks; six jumbo sacks and two bales of second-hand clothing, alongside 222 units of used compressors and 15 used tyres, intercepted in Eiyenkorin area.
Others include 44 bags of 50kg imported sugar seized at Bukuro and Bode Saadu axis, 317 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) suspected to be intended for cross-border smuggling and 1,107 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice intercepted across various patrol bases, among others.
The Command stated that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures amounts to ₦478,171,315, describing it as evidence of the scale of attempted economic sabotage.
According to the Controller, Federal Government’s ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector by encouraging local production, supporting farmers, creating jobs, and enhancing food security.
He, however, expressed concern that the persistent smuggling of foreign rice continues to threaten these national objectives, explaining that the Command’s operations are guided by intelligence gathering, coordinated patrols, and strategic deployment of officers along identified smuggling corridors.
On revenue performance, Mr Ogundeyi disclosed that Excise activities remain the only source of revenue collection for the Kwara Area Command.
He explained that within the period under review, the Command generated ₦2,527,531,290, demonstrating its commitment to supporting government fiscal objectives while ensuring compliance within the excise sector.
The Controller also commended the strong working relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and other security and regulatory agencies, noting that the successes recorded were made possible through effective intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation.
He expressed appreciation to the Controller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and the Service’s management team for their continued support and leadership.
The Kwara Customs Controller urged members of the public, particularly border communities and traders, to embrace legitimate trade and avoid smuggling.
“The fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility. We urge all stakeholders to support efforts to protect the nation’s economy and promote sustainable development,” he said.
DC Najeem Ogundeyi also appreciated the media for their continued partnership in raising awareness about the dangers of smuggling.
