By 
By Abdul Kayode
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has generated over N3.89 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2026, while intensifying its crackdown on smuggling activities across border communities and major highways in the state.
Acting Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi, disclosed this on Wednesday during the press briefing held at the Command Headquarters in Ilorin.
Ogundeyi said the Command recorded a total revenue generation of N3,895,333,182.94 between January and March 2026 despite the continued closure of Nigeria’s land border with the Republic of Benin since 2019.
According to him, the Command has continued to rely heavily on excise duties from factories and anti-smuggling operations to sustain its revenue drive.
He attributed the achievements recorded by the Command to the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as well as improved intelligence-driven operations within the Command.
“At the outset, I wish to express my profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support towards the successes of our operations,” he said.
The Customs boss also commended officers and men of the Command as well as sister security agencies for their collaboration and commitment to enforcement activities across the state.
Speaking on anti-smuggling operations, Ogundeji revealed that operatives of the Command intercepted several contraband items across notorious smuggling routes between March 2026 and May 2026.
He listed the affected areas to include Bukuro, Gurumi, Sikira, Okuta, Boriya, Tewu, Bero, Sango, Okeoyi, Alapa, Malete, Bani, Offa, Idofian, Eiyenkorin and parts of the Lagos-Ilorin Expressway.
According to him, the Command seized 155 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 used tyres, 418 jerry cans of vegetable oil, 3,697 packs of macaroni pasta, 237 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit, 49.5kg of cannabis, 376kg of tramadol, corrosive chemicals and 18 bales of secondhand clothing.
He disclosed that the seized items had a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N204,763,439.
Ogundeyi said the seizures underscored the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to suppressing illegal trade and protecting the nation’s economy.
“These achievements underscore the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to combating illegal trade, smuggling of uncustomed goods, thereby protecting national revenue and ensuring that only legitimate trade can thrive,” he stated.
The Acting Area Controller assured residents that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-based strategies to secure the nation’s borders and tackle economic sabotage.
He also appealed to residents of border communities to support security agencies with credible information that could aid anti-smuggling operations.
“We also call on members of the public, especially those in border communities, to support our efforts by providing timely and credible information. Such cooperation is vital in sustaining the successes recorded so far,” he added.
Ogundeyi further warned smugglers and economic saboteurs to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the Command remained committed to bringing offenders to justice.
The Acting Area Controller however handed over the seized Indian hemp to the NDLEA operative at the venue of the press briefing.
Some Customs officers were also recognised with an award of excellence for their outstanding performance in the course of discharging their duties.
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