Customs Seizes N1.2bn Worth of Contraband in Kwara

The Kwara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed seizures of contraband items valued at over N1.2 billion within less than one month following the assumption of office of the Acting Area Controller, DC Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi.

Ogundeyi made this known yesterday during a press conference held at the Command headquarters, Ilorin alongside the representative of other security agencies in the country to showcase the team’s achievements.

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Addressing journalists, the Acting Controller said the seizures reflected the Command’s renewed commitment to suppress smuggling and protect the nation’s economy.

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According to Ogundeyi, the Command has adopted strict compliance with the Customs Act 2023, professionalism, intelligence-driven operations and zero tolerance for compromise.

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The seized items include 389 bales of second-hand clothing and 108 sacks of used bags, intercepted around the Ogbomosho–Eyenkorin Expressway at about 4:34 a.m. Other seizures include 6,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted along border patrol bases in the Bukuro axis, and 450 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) intercepted along the Okuta border axis.

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The Command also intercepted three vehicles: a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser VX, a 2025 Lexus LX 600, both seized around the Bode Saadu area of Kwara State, and a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 intercepted along the Okuta axis. In addition, 170 pieces of used tyres were seized along the Lagos–Jeba Expressway.

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He commended officers and men of the Command for their dedication and resilience, noting that their professionalism was responsible for the successes recorded despite challenging operational conditions.

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He however expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the Management of the Service for the confidence reposed in him.

The Acting Controller also sent a strong message to smugglers and economic saboteurs, declaring that Kwara State is no longer a safe route for illegal trade.

Ogundeyi urged members of the public and stakeholders to support Customs operations by providing timely and credible intelligence.