The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, has made a seizure of various contraband items valued at over ₦468 million within the month of February.
This was as the Command also generated a revenue of more than ₦2 billion within the same period.
Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja, disclosed these during a press briefing at the Operational Headquarters, Ibadan, on Monday.
The CAC of the Area Command said ₦2,048,487,969.00k was generated as revenue in February 2025, while ₦165,387,000.00k was recorded for the anti-smuggling activities within same period.
He noted that the milestones were recorded within his first 22 days in office, assuring that the Area Command remained committed to the NCS mandate of revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade and suppression of smuggling.
“The Command has continued to intensify it efforts in the area of anti-smuggling by ensuring the compliance with Customs regulations and safeguarding the nation’s economic interests,” he said.
Comptroller Adelaja said the seizures by the NCS, Oyo/Osun Command in the past 17 days included foreign parboiled rice, cannabis sativa, used tyres, used clothes, used shoes and used compressors with a Duty Paid Value of ₦468,706,602.00.
“This achievement was made possible through effective intelligence sharing by the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Customs Police Unit and the unwavering support of relevant stakeholders who collaborated with the Command to accomplish yet another milestone,” he added.
He listed the monetary values of seized items to include foreign parboiled rice 2030 (50kg) bags, ₦223,300million; used clothes -28 bales- (₦20,160million); used shoes one bale ₦420,000,00;
Used refrigerator compressors- 28 pieces- ₦1,764million; used AC compressors- eight pieces ₦252,000.00; used tyres- 167 pieces
(₦16,032,000.00) and 25-litre keg of PMS (₦4,592,500.00); 660kg of cannabis sativa (₦21,780,000); means of conveyance (₦180,406,102).
He added that all the seizures, enumerated above, amounted to a sum total of ₦468,706,602 within the period under review.
“Notably, these foreign parboiled rice were concealed in three heavy-duty trucks. Unfortunately, these trucks were used to smuggle prohibited items.
“These illegal activities do not only undermine the nation’s economic development but also pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens.
“I would like to sound a note of warning to smugglers who persist in engaging in illegal activities that are detrimental to the economic growth of our nation that the Oyo/Osun Area Command will leave no stone unturned to enforce necessary compliance of Customs laws.
“I would like to assure the general public that the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command remain resolute in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade, as we would not relent on our efforts to curb these unlawful acts.
“On this note, I call on our relevant stakeholders and patriotic citizens to continue extending their maximum support and cooperation in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities.
“Your unwavering support is invaluable and will greatly enhance our ability to effectively discharge our duties in safeguarding the nation’s economy,” Adelaja said.
The Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command appreciated the NCS Comptroller General (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi and his Management Team for the support extended to officers and men of the Command in ensuring the efficient discharge of their duties.
He also thanked the governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, for his “unwavering dedication and the pivotal role” in ensuring that the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command operate in an enabling environment to effectively discharge their primary duties.
He thanked traditional rulers in the two states “for their continuous support and cooperation, which remain invaluable to the success of our operations.”
The Oyo/Osun NCS Controller acknowledged the unwavering commitment and collaboration of sister security agencies within the state.
“To the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, I sincerely commend your resilience, dedication, and commitment to suppressing smuggling and ensuring compliance with Customs extant laws.
“Your efforts are duly recognised and appreciated. I urge you all to remain steadfast and intensify your commitment to the discharge of your statutory duties.
“Lastly, I extend my profound gratitude to our esteemed members of the Press for your unwavering support and dedication in disseminating accurate information to the public about the activities of the Command,” he added.
