Kwara Customs Seizes Goods Worth N604.3m, Generates N7.98bn in Revenue

By Stella Okocha

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has intercepted smuggled goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N604.33 million across various operational corridors in the state.

The Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, disclosed this on Thursday, September 10, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command.

Ogundeyi said the seizures, comprising eight categories of items, were made through intelligence-led operations and patrols along identified smuggling routes.

Among the items seized were 80 bales and six sacks of used clothing valued at N32.3 million, 6,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N2.75 million, and 3,396 packets of Tramadol 100mg valued at N50.946 million.

The Command also intercepted 14 bags of Basmati rice, valued at N350,000; 6,705 cartons of foreign spaghetti, valued at N201.15 million; and 270 bags of foreign parboiled rice, with a DPV of N25.245 million.

Two vehicles were also intercepted: a 2025 Toyota Highlander, valued at N214 million, and a 2018 Dodge Charger SXT, valued at N77.59 million.

According to the Customs Area Controller, the seizures underscore the changing tactics employed by smugglers, ranging from the diversion of petroleum products to the trafficking of unregulated pharmaceuticals and the movement of uncustomed vehicles.

He particularly highlighted the seizure of the Tramadol, saying the interception demonstrated the role of border enforcement in protecting public health and national security.

Ogundeyi also said the seizure of PMS was aimed at preventing the diversion of strategic petroleum supplies intended for domestic consumption into illicit border markets.

On food security, the Customs boss clarified that the seizure of foreign food products should not be construed as opposition to food availability in Nigeria.

He explained that the Service’s responsibility was to ensure compliance with laws governing cross-border trade, stressing that goods moved through unapproved routes or without the required documentation would be intercepted.

He added that the illegal influx of foreign food products could undermine government efforts to promote local agricultural production, protect domestic investments and strengthen local value chains.

Meanwhile, the Kwara Area Command generated N7.978 billion in revenue during the period under review.

Ogundeyi attributed the Command’s operational successes to intelligence gathering, patrol operations and collaboration with sister security agencies.

He commended officers of the Intelligence Unit and Customs Police Unit, as well as other personnel of the Command, for their efforts in combating smuggling across the challenging operational terrain.

He also urged border communities, traditional rulers, transporters and members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies.

“Legitimate trade will receive our maximum support, but smuggling will encounter uncompromising enforcement,” the Command stated.