By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has announced the seizure of smuggled and prohibited items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N1.2 billion within the first month of its new leadership.
The Acting Area Controller, Deputy Controller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Ilorin.
He attributed the Command’s early success to intelligence-led operations, professionalism, and the dedication of his officers.
“Upon assumption of duty, I made it clear that this Command will operate strictly in line with the Customs Act 2023, guided by professionalism, intelligence-driven operations, and zero tolerance for compromise. I am pleased to report that these directives have already begun to yield positive results,” Ogundeyi stated.
Giving a breakdown of the seizures, the Controller revealed that operatives intercepted 389 bales of second-hand clothing and 108 sacks of used bags along the Ogbomosho-Eyenkorin Expressway.
Additionally, 6,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were seized at various border patrol bases in the Bukuro axis, alongside 450 bags of foreign parboiled rice along the Okuta axis.
The Command also recorded significant seizures of high-end vehicles, including a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser VX and a 2025 Lexus LX 600 intercepted at Bode Saadu, as well as a 2016 Mercedes Benz GLE350 seized at Okuta.
Also, 170 used tires were intercepted along the Lagos-Jebba Expressway.
Ogundeyi put the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the confiscated items at N1,219,209,369.
Warning smugglers to desist from their activities, Ogundeyi declared that the state is no longer a safe route for illicit trade.
“Kwara Area Command is no longer a safe haven for illegal trade. Anyone involved in such acts will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he warned.
He commended the officers for their resilience and urged the public to support the Service with timely and credible information, adding, “Customs is not an enemy of the people; we are partners in progress, working to secure our borders and strengthen the economy.”