The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has recorded major enforcement breakthroughs within one-month, thwarting smuggling activities and intercepting goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦1.2 billion.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Naeem Ogundeyi, disclosed this during a press conference held in Ilorin on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, where he formally presented the seizures to journalists and key stakeholders.
DC Ogundeyi attributed the success to renewed operational discipline, intelligence-led enforcement and professionalism, stressing that the Command had adopted a zero-tolerance approach to compromise since his assumption of office.
“These achievements underscore the unwavering commitment of the officers and men of the Kwara Area Command to revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Service Management Team for the confidence reposed in him, noting that the early successes reflected a clear mandate to deliver results.
According to the Acting Area Controller, 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 various patrol bases along the Bukuro border axis.
Other seizures include 450 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) intercepted along the Okuta border axis, and 170 pieces of used tyres seized along the Lagos–Jebba Expressway.
In addition, three vehicles — a new Toyota Land Cruiser VX (2025 model), a new Lexus LX 600 (2025 model) and a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (2016 model) — were intercepted around the Bode Saadu area and the Okuta axis. The vehicles are currently under detention for further investigation and necessary action.
Disclosing the total value of the seizures, DC Ogundeyi said the combined DPV stood at ₦1,219,209,369, sending a strong signal that smuggling and economic sabotage would not be tolerated.
Commending officers of the Command, he praised their dedication, resilience and professionalism, often displayed under challenging operational conditions.
He also issued a stern warning to smugglers, declaring that the Kwara Area Command was no longer a safe corridor for illegal trade. According to him, the Command would continue to deploy all lawful means to protect the nation’s economy and enforce compliance with Customs laws.
DC Ogundeyi appealed to stakeholders and members of the public to support Customs operations by providing timely and credible information, describing the Service as a partner in national development rather than an adversary.
He concluded by assuring that the Command would sustain the current enforcement momentum while upholding professionalism, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law in all operations.
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