Customs Intercepts Firearms, Seizes ₦3.22bn Contraband in Oyo, Osun
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted three pump-action rifles and arrested three suspects in a major anti-smuggling operation, while also seizing various contraband items with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦3.22 billion.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Adewole, disclosed this during a press briefing in Ibadan on Thursday.
Adewole described the recovery of the firearms as one of the Command’s most significant operational achievements in recent months, noting that investigations are ongoing to uncover the network behind the attempted smuggling of the weapons.
According to him, the operation led to the arrest of three suspects who are currently being investigated by relevant units of the Service.
“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,” he said.
The Acting Area Controller disclosed that the Command’s intensified anti-smuggling campaign also resulted in the interception of a wide range of prohibited and restricted items across Oyo and Osun states.
Read Also:
The seized items included 1,537 bags of foreign parboiled rice, used clothing, used tyres, pharmaceutical products, cannabis sativa, tramadol, premium motor spirit (PMS), and several vehicles allegedly used for smuggling activities.
He said the total Duty Paid Value of the confiscated items exceeded ₦3.22 billion.
In a separate intelligence-led operation carried out in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps in Ibadan, Customs operatives arrested a suspected recruitment fraudster accused of deceiving members of the public with false promises of employment into the Nigeria Customs Service in exchange for money.
Adewole warned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters posing as recruitment agents, stressing that recruitment into the Service is conducted through transparent and officially approved processes.
“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 generation, the Acting Area Controller revealed that the Command generated ₦28.5 billion between March and May 2026, representing an 8 per cent increase compared to the ₦26.23 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2025.
He attributed the improved revenue performance to enhanced compliance measures, intelligence-driven operations and the commitment of officers and men of the Command.
Adewole reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain its anti-smuggling drive, combat economic sabotage and strengthen national security through effective border and trade enforcement operations.
By PRNigeria
