By Peace Udugba – The Daily Torch Media
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated ₦65.66 billion in revenue between January and August 2026, representing a 13.88 per cent increase over the ₦57.66 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2025.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Moses Adewole, disclosed this on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command’s Operational Headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Adewole said the Command generated ₦65,661,343,026.94 between January and August 2026, compared with ₦57,656,161,990.24 recorded during the same period in 2025.
He attributed the increase to sustained efforts in revenue collection, trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement and strategies aimed at improving compliance.
Photo page of the event :
Customs Seizes Rice, Cannabis, Vehicles, Arms, Police Uniforms
The Acting Controller also disclosed that the Command intensified its anti-smuggling operations across Oyo and Osun states, resulting in the seizure of various prohibited and restricted items in August 2026.
Items seized 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, 101 used compressors and 48 packs of 225mg Tramadol.
Others were 105 bales and 28 sacks of used clothing, 18 sacks of used shoes, 450 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 33 bottles of foreign vegetable oil, 30 bags of foreign sugar and 17 used vehicles.
The seizures also included 573 Nigeria Police Force crests, 92 yards of Nigeria Police Force camouflage uniform fabric, 10 means of conveyance, 10 containers of corrosive mercury, one jack knife, one pistol, six pistol magazines, one pump-action magazine and 60 detonating cords.
According to Adewole, the seized items had a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦4,106,951,689.
The interception of police crests and camouflage uniform materials, he said, was of particular concern because of the potential security implications associated with the unauthorised possession and movement of security agency uniforms.
He explained that such materials could potentially be misused by criminals to impersonate law enforcement personnel, gain unauthorised access to restricted locations or facilitate criminal activities.
Customs Raises Alarm Over Hazardous Mercury
Adewole also highlighted the interception of corrosive mercury, warning of the risks associated with the improper handling, storage and transportation of hazardous substances.
He said uncontrolled movement of such materials could expose the public to risks including fire, explosion, injury and property damage.
The Acting Controller attributed the Command’s enforcement successes to the vigilance and professionalism of its personnel, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
Command Vows to Sustain Anti-Smuggling Operations
Adewole assured that the Oyo/Osun Area Command would continue to focus on revenue generation, legitimate trade facilitation and the fight against smuggling and other activities capable of undermining the economy.
He said the Command would pay particular attention to items with implications for national security and public safety while ensuring that legitimate businesses and law-abiding members of the public were not unduly impeded.
He also assured that the Command would continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally and in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. The Act provides the statutory framework for the modernisation, administration and enforcement functions of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Adewole commended members of the media for their continued partnership and responsible reportage of the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service.
