Kwara Customs Cracks Down on Smuggling, Records Over N1.2bn Seizures in Under one Month

Kwara State – The Acting Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, DC Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, has announced a series of significant seizures worth over one billion naira within less than a month of assuming office, signaling a new era of strict enforcement against smuggling in the state.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Ogundeyi credited the success to intelligence-led operations and the dedication of officers under his command.

“From the day I assumed duty, I made it clear that our operations would adhere strictly to the Customs Act 2023, guided by professionalism and zero tolerance for compromise. I am pleased to say these directives are already producing results,” he said.

Among the items seized were 389 bales of second-hand clothing and 108 sacks of used bags intercepted along the Ogbomosho-Iyankorin expressway, 6,500 litres of petrol at various patrol bases in the Bukuro axis, and 450 bags of foreign parboiled rice along the Okuta axis.

The Command also detained three vehicles, including a 2025 Toyota Landcruiser VX, a 2025 Lexus LX 600, and a 2016 Mercedes Benz GLE350. Additionally, 170 used tires were intercepted along the Lagos-Jeba Expressway. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures is N1,219,209,369.

Ogundeyi warned smugglers and economic saboteurs that Kwara was no longer a safe haven for illegal trade. “We will continue to deploy all lawful means to protect the nation’s economy and ensure compliance with Customs laws,” he said.

He also commended the officers of the Kwara Area Command for their resilience and professionalism under challenging conditions. “Their dedication is responsible for these successes. I urge stakeholders and members of the public to continue supporting Customs by providing timely and credible information,” he added.

The Acting Area Controller assured that the Command would sustain enforcement activities while upholding professionalism, transparency, and respect for human rights in all operations.