Kwara Customs seize N478m smuggled goods, generate ₦2.53bn in two months

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, on Wednesday displayed seized goods valued at more than ₦478 million and announced that it generated ₦2.527 billion in revenue within two months.

Speaking during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Ilorin, the Acting Area Controller, Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, said the seizures were part of ongoing efforts to enforce customs regulations and curb smuggling activities in the state.

Ogundeyi explained that the command remains committed to strengthening border surveillance and ensuring strict compliance with customs laws as part of efforts to reduce illegal trade and protect the country’s economy.

Ogundeyi also disclosed that the command collected ₦2.527 billion as revenue during the period under review, highlighting the command’s contribution to government revenue generation and regulatory compliance.

He noted that despite continuous enforcement measures, the illegal importation of foreign rice remains a challenge, stressing that such activities undermine efforts to promote local production.

According to him, the Federal Government’s restriction on the importation of foreign parboiled rice is aimed at supporting domestic agriculture, boosting employment and strengthening food security.

“Our commitment is twofold: enforcing anti-smuggling regulations while facilitating legitimate trade that supports local farmers and the domestic economy,” he said.

The acting controller said the command recorded several seizures during the period, including five used vehicles intercepted at the Alapa Patrol Base and Bode Saadu areas, 1,107 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and 44 bags of imported sugar.

Other items intercepted include 317 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit suspected to be intended for cross-border movement, 120 sacks of lithium ore believed to have been mined without authorisation, as well as large quantities of second-hand clothing and used machinery.

He added that nine vehicles loaded with foreign rice were also intercepted during patrol operations carried out by officers of the command.

Ogundeyi explained that the successes recorded were largely due to intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols and collaboration with other security agencies.

“These operations reflect a renewed, intelligence-driven approach involving coordinated patrols and collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard revenue and support legitimate trade,” he said.

The acting controller commended the cooperation between the customs service and other security agencies, noting that the partnership has helped strengthen efforts to address cross-border crimes.

He also urged members of the public, particularly traders and border communities, to comply with existing trade regulations and support efforts to protect local industries and the national economy.

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