ZAINAB JUNAID
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of Illicit goods worth Four Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Two Naira Only ₦468,706,602.00k in seventeen days.
Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja, disclosed this at a briefing held at the operational headquarters in Ibadan on Monday, attributing the milestone to effective intelligence sharing and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Comptroller Adelaja showcasing seizures made within 17 days
Comptroller Adelaja highlighted the Seized items to include- Foreign Parboiled Rice, 2030 (50kg) bags worth ₦223.3 million; Used Clothes, 28 bales worth ₦20.2 million; Used Shoes, 1 worth ₦420,000; Used Compressors, 28 pieces worth ₦1.8 million; Cannabis Sativa, 660kg worth ₦21,780,000.00k; and other items, including used tyres, premium motor spirit, and means of Conveyance valued at N180,406,102.00
According to him, the foreign parboiled rice were concealed in three heavy-duty trucks, which we’re used to smuggle prohibited items. “These illegal activities do not only undermine the nation’s economic development but also pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens,” he emphasised.
He warned smugglers that the Command will leave no stone unturned to enforce necessary compliance with Customs laws and equally assured the public that under his watch, the Command will remain resolute in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade.
He also acknowledged the resilience and dedication of Officers and Men of the Command towards suppressing smuggling and ensuring compliance
Comptroller Adelaja extended appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Abiodun Makinde, for his unwavering dedication and the pivotal role played in ensuring the Command operate in an enabling environment to effectively discharge their primary duties.
While extending appreciation to the traditional rulers for their continuous support and cooperation, which remain invaluable to the success of the Command’s operations, he acknowledged the unwavering commitment and collaboration of the sister security agencies within the state.
“I call on our relevant stakeholders and patriotic citizens to continue extending their maximum support and cooperation in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities. Your unwavering support is invaluable and will greatly enhance our ability to effectively discharge our duties in safeguarding the nation’s economy,” he stated.
Recall that the Command, under Comptroller Adelaja, generated the sum of ₦2,048,487,969.00k (Two billion, forty-eight million, four hundred and eighty-seven thousand, nine hundred and sixty-nine naira only) as revenue for the period of 1st February – 27th February 2025, while the sum of ₦165,387,000.00k (One hundred and sixty-five million, three hundred and eighty-seven thousand naira only) was recorded for the anti-smuggling activities during this same period, the Area Controller charged his Officers and Men to remain steadfast and intensify their commitment to the discharge of their statutory duties.
