Kwara Customs Thwarts Smuggling Network, Records Major Seizures Within One Month
Author: Folusho Adeogun.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has recorded significant enforcement successes following a series of seizures made within less than one month of the assumption of office by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Naeem Ogundeyi.
The development was disclosed during a press conference held in Ilorin on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, where the Acting Area Controller formally presented the seizures to members of the press and relevant stakeholders.
Speaking at the briefing, DC Ogundeyi expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and the Management Team of the Service for the confidence reposed in him, noting that the achievements reflect the Command’s resolve to deliver on its statutory mandates.
“These achievements underscore the unwavering commitment of the officers and men of the Kwara Area Command to revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023,” he said.
He explained that upon assumption of duty, the Command adopted a strict operational approach anchored on professionalism, intelligence-driven enforcement, and zero tolerance for compromise.
“I made it clear from day one that this Command would operate strictly within the law, guided by professionalism and intelligence-led operations, and I am pleased that these directives are already yielding positive results,” DC Ogundeyi stated.
According to him, the seized items were intercepted through sustained patrols and credible intelligence across the Command’s area of responsibility. Items seized include 389 bales of second-hand clothing and 108 sacks of used bags intercepted along the Ogbomosho–Iyankorin Expressway, as well as 6,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) seized at various patrol bases along the Bukuro border axis.
Other seizures include 450 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) intercepted along the Okuta border axis, three vehicles namely a new Toyota Land Cruiser VX (2025 model), a new Lexus LX 600 (2025 model) intercepted around the Bode Saadu area and a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (2016 model) intercepted along the Okuta axis. In addition, 170 pieces of used tyres were seized along the Lagos–Jebba Expressway. The vehicles are currently under detention for further investigation and necessary action.
Disclosing the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures, DC Ogundeyi said, “The combined Duty Paid Value of these seizures is estimated at ₦1,219,209,369, and this clearly demonstrates that smuggling activities will not be tolerated under my watch.”
Commending the officers and men of the Command, he noted, “The dedication, resilience, and professionalism displayed by our officers, often under challenging conditions, are directly responsible for these successes.”
He also issued a stern warning to smugglers and economic saboteurs, stating, “Kwara Customs Area Command is no longer a safe haven for illegal trade. We will continue to deploy all lawful means to protect the nation’s economy and ensure full compliance with Customs laws.”
DC Ogundeyi appealed to stakeholders and members of the public to support the Service by providing timely and credible information. “The Nigeria Customs Service is not an enemy of the people; rather, we are partners in progress, working together to secure our borders and strengthen the economy,” he said.
He concluded by assuring that the Command would sustain the momentum of enforcement while upholding professionalism and respect for human rights in all its operations.
