Oyo/Osun Customs Seizes ₦468.7 Million Worth of Smuggled Goods in 17 Days
Author: Opeyemi Omodara.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, on Monday, 17 March 2025, said it has intercepted contraband goods valued at ₦468,706,602 (Four Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Two Naira Only) in 17 days.
Addressing journalists at the Command’s Operational Headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, Comptroller Olugbuyi Adelaja, the Customs Area Controller, revealed that the seized items included 2,030 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 660kg of cannabis sativa, 28 bales of used clothes, 167 used tyres, and 167 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), among other prohibited items.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) revealed that the foreign parboiled rice was concealed in three heavy-duty trucks, a strategy smugglers used to evade detection.
He emphasised that such illegal activities undermine Nigeria’s economy and pose serious security risks to citizens.
“The Command remains dedicated to the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate, revenue generation, the facilitation of legitimate trade, and the suppression of smuggling. We have continued strengthening our efforts to protect the nation’s economic interests.” Adelaja stated.
He noted that during his maiden press briefing, 22 days after assuming office, the Command achieved significant milestones in revenue generation and anti-smuggling efforts. From 1- 27 February 2025, the Command generated ₦2,048,487,969.00 (Two billion, Forty-eight million, Four hundred and Eighty-Seven thousand, Nine hundred and Sixty-nine naira) in revenue. Additionally, anti-smuggling operations during the same period led to seizures valued at ₦165,387,000.00 (One Hundred and Sixty-Five million, Three hundred and Eighty-Seven thousand naira).
Furthermore, He credited the recent success to intelligence-sharing and collaboration between the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Customs Police Unit, and other security agencies, alongside the unwavering support of key stakeholders.
Comptroller Adelaja issued a strong warning to smugglers, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to enforcing Customs laws without compromise. He urged the public to support anti-smuggling efforts, noting that national security and economic stability depend on collective vigilance.
“I would like to make a stern warning to smugglers engaged in illegal activities that threaten the nation’s economic growth; the Oyo/Osun Area Command is committed to combatting smuggling and illicit trade and remains resolute in enforcing compliance and safeguarding the nation’s economy.” The CAC warned.
The CAC thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for their steadfast backing. He also acknowledged the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers, sister security agencies, and the media for their role in fostering Customs operations.
Finally, Adelaja commended the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Command for their dedication and urged them to remain resolute in combating smuggling and illicit trade.
