Customs Posts Bountiful Yields In Crackdown On Kwara Smugglers

Efforts to curb smuggling and protect Nigeria’s local industries are gaining momentum in Kwara State as the command intercepted illicit goods worth over ₦478 million within the period under review.

Speaking during a press briefing held on 11 March 2026 in Ilorin, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Najeem Ogundeyi, disclosed that the intercepted items have a Duty Paid Value of ₦478,171,315.

The seizures, which included foreign rice, second-hand vehicles, used tyres, compressors, petroleum products and illegally mined lithium ore.

Highlighting the scale of cross-border smuggling attempts in the state, the Ag. CAC say the operations are part of a broader strategy to safeguard national revenue, protect farmers and promote legitimate trade.

According to him, the operations demonstrate the Command’s determination to protect legitimate trade, safeguard national revenue and enforce cross-border trade regulations.

“Despite repeated warnings, some individuals continue to engage in illegal trade, but our officers remain vigilant. Every seizure sends a clear message that smuggling will not be tolerated in Kwara State,” Ogundeyi said.

He explained that the Federal Government’s restrictions on foreign parboiled rice is a strategic policy designed to encourage local production, support farmers, create employment opportunities and strengthen food security.

According to him, persistent illegal importation of rice undermines these objectives and threatens the stability of the domestic agricultural sector.

Providing details of the seizures, Ogundeyi said five Tokunbo (second-hand) vehicles were intercepted at the Alapa Patrol Base and along the Bode Saadu axis.

He added that officers also intercepted 60 sacks, six jumbo sacks and two bales of second-hand clothing, as well as 222 used compressors and 15 used tyres in the Eiyenkorin area.

In addition, 44 bags of 50kg imported sugar were seized along the Bukuro and Bode Saadu axis during enforcement patrols.

The Acting Customs Are Controller further disclosed that officers intercepted 317 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) suspected to be intended for illegal cross-border smuggling.
Customs operatives also seized 1,107 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice at various patrol bases and intercepted nine vehicles loaded with the commodity during coordinated patrol operations.

He further revealed that officers intercepted 120 sacks of illegally mined lithium ore in the Alapa/Banni area, bringing the total Duty Paid Value of the seized items to ₦478,171,315.

According to him, the seizures underscore both the scale of attempted economic sabotage and the vigilance of Customs officers working to protect Nigeria’s economy.

On revenue generation, Ogundeyi stated that excise activities remain the only source of revenue collection for the Command, which generated ₦2,527,531,290 during the review period.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and the Service’s management team for their continued support, noting that collaboration with other security agencies has also strengthened enforcement efforts.

Ogundeyi also praised the media for helping to raise public awareness about the dangers and consequences of smuggling.
He urged members of the public to embrace legitimate trade, desist from smuggling activities and support government efforts aimed at protecting the national economy, strengthening local industries and ensuring sustainable development.