By Bimpe Audu
The Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced it has achieved a major operational success, intercepting three pump-action rifles followed by the arrest of three suspects.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ibadan on Thursday, 18 June 2026, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Adewole, said the Command’s anti-smuggling operations also led to the seizure of other contraband goods with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦3.22 billion.
According to him, the recovery of the three pump-action rifles was one of the Command’s most significant breakthroughs during the period. The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects who are currently under investigation as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle the network behind the attempted smuggling of the firearms.
“The Command is working closely with the Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit and the Legal Unit to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attempted smuggling of the firearms and ensure that all persons connected with the unlawful act are brought to justice,” Adewole stated.
He disclosed that the Command intercepted a wide range of prohibited and restricted items across its area of responsibility, including 1,537 bags of foreign parboiled rice, used clothing, used tyres, pharmaceuticals, cannabis sativa, tramadol, premium motor spirit (PMS), and several vehicles used in smuggling activities. The seized items had a cumulative Duty Paid Value of over ₦3.22 billion.
In another intelligence-driven operation conducted in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps in Ibadan, the Command apprehended a suspected recruitment fraudster accused of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public by promising them NCS employment in exchange for money.
Warning members of the public against falling victim to such schemes, Adewole stressed that recruitment into the Service is conducted strictly through approved procedures.
“Recruitment into the NCS is transparent, merit-based and conducted strictly through officially approved channels. Members of the public should disregard individuals who claim to offer employment opportunities in exchange for money,” he said.
On revenue performance, the Acting Area Controller disclosed that the Command generated ₦28,503,393,802.75 between March and May 2026, representing an 8% increase over the ₦26,233,796,496.57 collected during the corresponding period in 2025.
