By Peter Omopo
The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command, has recorded major successes in its anti-smuggling operations, seizing contraband items valued at ₦2.53 billion.
Speaking at the Command headquarters in Ibadan, the Acting Customs Area Controller, WM Adewole, said intensified surveillance and enforcement efforts led to the interception of a wide range of prohibited goods.
The seized items include 3,300 packs and 2,140 sachets of Tramadol, 1,144 wraps of cannabis sativa, and other illicit substances. Also confiscated were 1,603 bags of foreign parboiled rice, six used vehicles, 2,270 packs of foreign textile materials, 20 bags of sugar, and 17,300 litres of Premium Motor Spirit stored in 692 kegs.
Adewole stated that the total Duty Paid Value of the seized items stands at ₦2.53 billion, highlighting the scale of smuggling activities being curtailed within the Command’s jurisdiction.
On revenue performance, he disclosed that the Command generated ₦14.7 billion within the review period, representing a 46.22 per cent increase compared to ₦10.1 billion recorded in the same period last year.
He attributed the rise in revenue to improved compliance checks, intelligence-driven operations, and stronger collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The Acting Controller warned smugglers and economic saboteurs to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the Command remains committed to enforcing government fiscal policies and protecting the nation’s economy.
He also urged the public to support enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information, noting that strict adherence to import and export regulations remains the best way to avoid sanctions.
Adewole commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their support, as well as traditional rulers and stakeholders in Oyo and Osun states for their cooperation in combating smuggling.
