Customs Intercepts Pistol, Magazines, Detonating Cords, 17 Vehicles in Oyo/Osun

By Stella Okocha 

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a pistol, six pistol magazines, a pump-action magazine and 60 detonating cords, alongside 17 used vehicles and other prohibited goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦4.106 billion.

The seizures were disclosed on Thursday, September 17, 2026, by the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, during a press briefing at the Command’s Operational Headquarters in Ibadan.

Adewole said the seizures were recorded as part of the Command’s intensified anti-smuggling operations in August, adding that the interceptions underscored the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement and collaboration with sister security agencies.

According to him, the security-related seizures also included 573 Nigeria Police Force crests and 92 yards of Nigeria Police Force camouflage uniform fabric, items he said could be exploited by criminal elements to impersonate law enforcement personnel.

He warned that the unauthorised possession and movement of security agency uniforms could create serious security concerns, including the possibility of gaining unauthorised access to restricted locations or facilitating criminal activities.

The Customs chief said the Command also intercepted 10 containers of Corrosive 8 Mercury, describing the substance as hazardous and capable of posing risks when improperly handled, stored or transported.

He said the seizure helped prevent potentially dangerous materials from entering circulation and being handled by unauthorised persons, noting that uncontrolled movement of such substances could expose the public to fire, explosion, injuries and property damage.

Other items seized during the August operations included 2,012 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 550 bags of 25kg foreign parboiled rice, 2,440 wraps of Cannabis Sativa, used tyres, 101 used compressors and 48 packs of 225mg Tramadol.The seizures further comprised 105 bales and 28 sacks of used clothing, 18 sacks of used shoes, 450 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 30 bags of foreign sugar, 33 bottles of foreign vegetable oil and 10 units of means of conveyance.

Adewole said the Command’s anti-smuggling activities formed part of its statutory responsibility to protect the national economy and prevent the movement of prohibited and restricted goods.

Beyond its enforcement activities, the Oyo/Osun Area Command generated ₦65.66 billion 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 Command collected ₦65,661,343,026.94 in the first eight months of 2026, compared with ₦57,656,161,990.24 recorded in the same period last year.

Adewole attributed the revenue growth to sustained efforts in revenue collection, trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement and strategies aimed at improving compliance among importers and other stakeholders.

He said the Command would continue to balance enforcement with trade facilitation to ensure that legitimate businesses and law-abiding members of the public were not unduly impeded.

“The Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to improving revenue generation, facilitating legitimate trade and sustaining the fight against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage,” Adewole said.

He pledged that the Command would maintain particular attention on goods with implications for national security and public safety while discharging its mandate professionally and in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.