Kwara Customs Seize N478m Smuggled Goods, Generate N2.53bn in 2 Months
The Kwara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted smuggled goods valued at over ₦478 million, while generating ₦2.527 billion in revenue within the first two months of the year.
The Acting Area Controller of the command, Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
Ogundeyi explained that the seizures were made as part of intensified efforts by the service to enforce customs regulations, curb smuggling activities and ensure compliance with trade laws.
According to him, the command also generated ₦2.527 billion in revenue during the period under review, underscoring its commitment to boosting government revenue while facilitating legitimate trade.
Despite the successes recorded, the acting controller noted that the illegal importation of foreign parboiled rice remains a persistent challenge. He stressed that such activities undermine government policies designed to promote local agricultural production.
Ogundeyi explained that the Federal Government’s restriction on imported parboiled rice is aimed at strengthening domestic agriculture, creating employment opportunities and enhancing national food security.
“Our commitment is twofold: enforcing anti-smuggling regulations while facilitating legitimate trade that supports local farmers and the domestic economy,” he said.
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Providing a breakdown of the seizures, Ogundeyi revealed that the command intercepted five used vehicles at the Alapa Patrol Base and Bode Saadu areas. Other seized items included 1,107 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 44 bags of imported sugar.
Additional confiscated goods comprised 317 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) suspected to be intended for cross-border smuggling, 120 sacks of lithium ore believed to have been mined and transported without authorisation, as well as large quantities of second-hand clothing and used machinery.
The acting controller further disclosed that nine vehicles loaded with foreign rice were intercepted during patrol operations carried out by officers of the command.
Ogundeyi attributed the successes recorded to intelligence-driven operations, strategic patrols and effective collaboration with other security agencies.
“These operations reflect a renewed intelligence-driven strategy involving coordinated patrols and collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard government revenue and support legitimate trade,” he stated.
He commended the synergy between the customs service and other security agencies, noting that the partnership has strengthened the fight against cross-border crimes.
Ogundeyi also called on traders, transporters and residents of border communities to comply with existing trade regulations and support government efforts to protect local industries and strengthen the national economy.
By PRNigeria
