The Kwara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded seizures valued at over N1.2 billion within less than one month following the assumption of office of the Acting Area Controller, DC Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi.
Ogundeyi disclosed this on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, during a press conference held to showcase the Command’s recent enforcement achievements.
Addressing journalists, heads of security agencies, senior Customs officers and other stakeholders, the Acting Controller said the seizures reflected the Command’s renewed commitment to suppress smuggling and protect the nation’s economy.
“Today’s briefing is to formally present to the public and relevant stakeholders the seizures recorded by this Command within less than a month of my assumption of office,” Ogundeyi said.
“These achievements underscore the unwavering commitment of the officers and men of Kwara Area Command to the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the Management of the Service for the confidence reposed in him.
According to Ogundeyi, the Command has adopted strict compliance with the Customs Act 2023, professionalism, intelligence-driven operations and zero tolerance for compromise.
“Upon assumption of duty, I made it clear that this Command would operate strictly in line with the Customs Act 2023, guided by professionalism, intelligence-driven operations, and zero tolerance for compromise,” he stated.
The seized items include 389 bales of second-hand clothing and 108 sacks of used bags, intercepted around the Ogbomosho–Iyankorin Expressway at about 4:34 a.m. Other seizures include 6,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted along border patrol bases in the Bukuro axis, and 450 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) intercepted along the Okuta border axis.
The Command also intercepted three vehicles: a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser VX, a 2025 Lexus LX 600, both seized around the Bode Saadu area of Kwara State, and a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 intercepted along the Okuta axis. In addition, 170 pieces of used tyres were seized along the Lagos–Jeba Expressway.
Ogundeyi revealed that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures stands at N1,219,209,369.
“These seizures clearly demonstrate that smuggling activities will not be tolerated under my watch, and anyone involved in such illegal acts will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he warned.
He commended officers and men of the Command for their dedication and resilience, noting that their professionalism was responsible for the successes recorded despite challenging operational conditions.
The Acting Controller also sent a strong message to smugglers and economic saboteurs, declaring that Kwara State is no longer a safe route for illegal trade.
“Kwara Area Command is 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.
Ogundeyi urged members of the public and stakeholders to support Customs operations by providing timely and credible intelligence.
“Customs is not an enemy of the people; rather, we are partners in progress, working to secure our borders and strengthen the economy,” he added.
He concluded his remarks by assuring that the Command would sustain its enforcement drive while upholding professionalism, transparency and respect for human rights.
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