The Kwara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service generated N7.98 billion in revenue between January and August 2026 while intercepting smuggled goods and vehicles with a combined Duty Paid Value of N604.33 million across the state.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Najeem Oloyede, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command, where he said the seizures reflected the command's sustained efforts to suppress smuggling, protect government revenue and safeguard national security.
Oloyede said the command recorded eight major seizures across various operational corridors, including 6,705 cartons of foreign spaghetti valued at N201.15 million, a 2025 Toyota Highlander valued at N214 million and a 2018 Dodge Charger SXT valued at N77.59 million.
Other items intercepted were 270 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 80 bales and six sacks of used clothing, 6,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 3,396 packets of Tramadol 100mg and 14 bags of Basmati rice.
He put the combined Duty Paid Value of the seized goods at N604,333,592.
The Customs boss said the seizures were made along the Ogbomoso/Jebba axis, Bukuro/Okuta/Chikanda axis, Okuta axis, Bode-Saadu Expressway, Bode-Saadu axis and the Lagos/Kwara highway around Eyankorin.
Oloyede also clarified that the interception of foreign food products should not be interpreted as opposition to food availability in the country, stressing that the Service was enforcing laws governing cross-border trade.
"The seizure of food products should not be misinterpreted as an opposition by the Nigeria Customs Service to legitimate food availability for Nigerians. Rather, our mandate is to enforce compliance with the laws governing cross-border trade," he said.
According to him, the illegal movement of foreign food products through unapproved routes undermines government policies aimed at boosting local agricultural production and protecting domestic investments.
"When goods are moved through unapproved routes, bypass regulatory checks, or lack proper documentation, the Service is legally mandated to intervene," he added.
Oloyede described the seizure of 3,396 packets of Tramadol 100mg, valued at N50.946 million, as a major public health and security concern, noting that the unregulated entry of controlled substances posed risks to public safety.
He also said the interception of 6,875 litres of PMS was aimed at preventing the diversion of petroleum products meant for domestic consumption into illicit border markets.
The Comptroller attributed the command's achievements to intelligence-led operations, patrols and collaboration with sister security agencies.
He said the command would continue to maintain a strong presence across identified smuggling routes and vulnerable corridors.
"Our position remains absolute: legitimate trade will receive our maximum support, but smuggling will encounter uncompromising enforcement," Oloyede said.
He urged border communities, traditional rulers, commercial transporters and other stakeholders to support the fight against smuggling by providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies.
Oloyede also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his strategic direction and support to the Kwara Area Command.
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