The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has recorded major enforcement successes with seizures valued at ₦1,219,209,369 within less than one month of the assumption of office by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Naeem Ogundeyi.
The disclosure was made during a press conference held in Ilorin, where the Acting Controller presented the seized items to journalists and stakeholders.
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Addressing the media, DC Ogundeyi expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service for the confidence placed in him, noting that the achievements reflect the command’s renewed commitment to its statutory mandate.
He stated that the successes underscore the determination of officers and men of the command to enhance revenue generation, suppress smuggling, and facilitate legitimate trade in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
According to him, the command adopted a strict operational strategy upon his assumption of duty, 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,” he said.
Ogundeyi explained that the seizures were made through sustained patrols and credible intelligence across the command’s area of responsibility.
Items intercepted include 389 bales of second-hand clothing and 108 sacks of used bags along the Ogbomosho–Iyankorin Expressway, as well as 6,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) seized at patrol bases along the Bukuro border axis.
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Other seizures comprised 450 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) intercepted along the Okuta border axis, three vehicles a new Toyota Land Cruiser VX (2025 model), a new Lexus LX 600 (2025 model) intercepted around Bode Saadu, and a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (2016 model) intercepted along the Okuta axis.
In addition, 170 used tyres were seized along the Lagos–Jebba Expressway. The vehicles, he said, are currently under detention pending further investigation.
“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,” the controller declared.
He commended officers of the command for their dedication and resilience, noting that their professionalism, often displayed under challenging conditions, was responsible for the successes recorded.
Ogundeyi also issued a stern warning to smugglers and economic saboteurs, stressing that Kwara Command would no longer serve as a safe corridor for illegal trade.
“We will continue to deploy all lawful means to protect the nation’s economy and ensure full compliance with Customs laws,” he assured.
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The controller appealed to stakeholders and members of the public to support the Service with timely and credible information, describing Customs as partners in national development.
He pledged that the command would sustain the momentum of enforcement while upholding professionalism and respect for human rights in all operations.