By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
Kwara Area Command records eight major seizures as revenue generation hits ₦7.98bn
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has intercepted eight consignments of suspected smuggled goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦604.33 million across various operational corridors in the state.
The seizures, which included tramadol, foreign rice, spaghetti, used clothing, petroleum products and two vehicles, were disclosed by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, during a press briefing on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Ogundeyi said the Command remained committed to suppressing smuggling, protecting government revenue, facilitating legitimate trade and safeguarding national security.
He said the Command had maintained an active presence across identified smuggling routes and vulnerable corridors since he assumed duty on December 17, 2025.
Eight Major Seizures Recorded
According to the Command, the seizures comprised 80 bales and six sacks of used clothing intercepted along the Ogbomoso/Jebba axis, with a DPV of ₦32.3 million.
Customs officers also intercepted 6,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Bukuro/Okuta/Chikanda axis, valued at ₦2.75 million.
Another major seizure was 3,396 packets of Tramadol 100mg, intercepted along the Okuta axis and valued at ₦50.946 million.
The Command further seized 14 bags of Basmati rice, weighing 5kg each, along the Bode-Saadu Expressway, with a DPV of ₦350,000.
Also intercepted were 6,705 cartons of foreign spaghetti along the Bode-Saadu axis, valued at ₦201.15 million, and 270 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, with a DPV of ₦25.245 million.
The two vehicles seized comprised a 2025 Toyota Highlander, intercepted along the Bode-Saadu Expressway and valued at ₦214 million, and a 2018 Dodge Charger SXT, intercepted along the Lagos/Kwara highway at Eyankorin, with a DPV of ₦77.593 million.
The Command put the combined DPV of all eight seizures at ₦604,333,592.
Customs Defends Food-Related Seizures
Ogundeyi clarified that the interception of foreign food products should not be interpreted as opposition to food availability or legitimate trade.
He explained that the Service’s responsibility was to ensure compliance with laws regulating cross-border trade.
He said goods moved through unapproved routes, bypassing regulatory checks or without the required documentation, remained subject to enforcement action.
According to him, the illegal influx of foreign food products could undermine government policies designed to boost domestic agricultural production, protect local investments and strengthen Nigeria’s value chain.
Tramadol Seizure Raises Public Health Concern
The Acting Controller described the seizure of 3,396 packets of Tramadol 100mg as particularly significant because of the potential danger posed by the unregulated movement of controlled pharmaceutical products.
He said the interception demonstrated the role of border enforcement in protecting public health and national security.
Ogundeyi also said the seizure of 6,875 litres of PMS was aimed at preventing the diversion of petroleum products intended for domestic consumption into illicit border markets.
Kwara Customs Generates ₦7.98bn Revenue
Beyond its enforcement activities, the Kwara Area Command generated ₦7,978,338,031.21 in revenue during the period under review.
Ogundeyi said the figure reflected the Command’s commitment to maximising revenue for the Federal Government while maintaining a balance between revenue collection, trade facilitation and national security.
Customs Emphasises Intelligence-Led Operations
The Acting Controller attributed the Command’s recent successes to intelligence-led operations, effective patrols and collaboration among security agencies.
He commended the Command’s Intelligence Unit and Customs Police Unit, as well as officers and men operating across the challenging terrains within the Command’s area of responsibility.
He also acknowledged the support of sister security agencies, stressing that trans-border crime could not be effectively tackled by one agency alone.
Ogundeyi expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his strategic direction and support.
Customs Urges Public Cooperation
The Command appealed to residents of border communities, traditional leaders, commercial transporters and other stakeholders to support efforts against smuggling by providing credible and timely information.
Ogundeyi also urged the media to continue educating the public on the difference between legitimate international trade and illicit cross-border activities.
He reaffirmed the Command’s position that legitimate businesses would receive the necessary support, while smuggling activities would continue to attract firm enforcement.
By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
