- Generates N2.5bn from Excise Duties
The Kwara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N478,171,315, including foreign rice, vehicles, petroleum products, and illegally mined lithium.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday at the Command headquarters in Ilorin, capital of Kwara State, the Acting Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, said the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations carried out across key smuggling corridors in the state.
Ogundeyi said the command remained firm in its commitment to combating smuggling and protecting the nation’s economy.
“Smuggling activities will not be tolerated under my watch, and Kwara Area Command will no longer serve as a safe haven for illegal trade,” he said. “Our officers will continue to respond with firm, decisive and intelligence-driven enforcement actions against all forms of economic sabotage.”
According to the Customs boss, items seized during recent operations include: five second-hand vehicles (Tokunbo vehicles) intercepted at Alapa Patrol Base and the Bode Saadu axis; 60 sacks, six jumbo sacks and two bales of second-hand clothing, alongside 222 used compressors and 15 used tyres intercepted around Eiyenkorin; 44 bags of 50kg imported sugar seized at Bukuro and Bode Saadu; 317 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) suspected to be meant for cross-border smuggling; 1,107 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice intercepted at different patrol bases; 120 sacks of illegally mined lithium ore intercepted around the Alapa/Banni axis; and nine vehicles loaded with foreign parboiled rice intercepted during coordinated operations.
Ogundeyi said the interceptions highlight the Command’s renewed operational strategy based on intelligence gathering, coordinated patrols and strategic deployment of officers.
“These seizures underscore our unwavering commitment to intelligence-led enforcement operations aimed at curbing economic sabotage, protecting legitimate businesses and safeguarding national revenue,” he stated.
The Customs boss also stressed that the Federal Government’s ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice was aimed at strengthening the local agricultural sector and improving food security.
“The policy is designed to encourage consumption of locally produced rice, empower local farmers, create employment opportunities and strengthen national food security,” he said, noting that persistent smuggling of foreign rice continues to threaten these objectives.
On revenue performance, the Kwara Area Command said it generated N2,527,531,290 from excise duties during the period under review.
Ogundeyi expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his support and leadership.
“I sincerely appreciate the trust reposed in me by the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team whose support has enabled the Command to deliver on its mandate,” he said.
He also commended the media and other security agencies for their collaboration in tackling cross-border crimes.
The Customs chief urged traders and border communities to support the fight against smuggling.
“The fight against smuggling is not the responsibility of the Nigeria Customs Service alone,” he said. “It requires the collective commitment of all stakeholders to safeguard our national economy and protect local industries.”
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