N4.1bn Smuggling Haul: Customs Seizes Pistol, Detonating Cords, Police Crests

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, has intercepted a pistol, six pistol magazines, a pump-action magazine and 60 detonating cords among prohibited goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N4.1 billion.

The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Oyo/Osun Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Adewole, disclosed this Thursday, September 17, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command’s Operational Headquarters in Ibadan.

The Command also seized 573 Nigeria Police Force crests and 92 yards of police camouflage uniform fabric, raising concerns over the possible use of security-related materials for impersonation of law enforcement officers.

Adewole said the Command would continue to prioritise items with implications for national security and public safety while ensuring that legitimate businesses were not unduly disrupted.

“We will continue to pay particular attention to items that have implications for national security and public safety, while ensuring that legitimate businesses and law-abiding members of the public are not unduly impeded,” he said.

Other items intercepted included 2,012 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 550 bags of 25kg foreign parboiled rice, 2,440 wraps of Cannabis sativa, 1,150 used tyres, 17 used vehicles and 450 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, equivalent to 5,000 litres.

The Command further seized 10 containers of corrosive mercury, 105 bales and 28 sacks of used clothing, as well as 48 packs of Tramadol.
Adewole attributed the interceptions to intelligence-driven enforcement and collaboration with sister security agencies, stressing the importance of sustained cooperation in tackling smuggling.

He said the Command would continue to combine enforcement with trade facilitation to protect legitimate commerce and the wider public interest.

Meanwhile, the Oyo/Osun Area Command generated N65.66 billion in revenue between January and August 2026, representing a 13.88 per cent increase over the N57.66 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

Adewole attributed the revenue growth to improved compliance, stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to combating smuggling, safeguarding national security and facilitating legitimate trade.