Kwara Customs generates N3.8bn, seizes drugs, contraband worth N204m

By Ahmed Olayinka

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has generated more than N3.8 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2026 despite the continued closure of Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin.

The Acting Area Controller of the command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi, disclosed this during the command’s third press briefing held on Thursday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

According to him, the command realised a total revenue of N3,895,333,182.94 between January and March 2026, attributing the achievement to increased excise duty collections and intensified anti-smuggling operations across the state.

Ogundeyi said the command also recorded major breakthroughs in its crackdown on smuggling activities in several border and transit communities within Kwara and neighbouring areas.

He listed the affected routes and flashpoints to include Bukuro, Gurumi, Sikira, Okuta, Boriya, Tewu, Bero, Sango, Oke-Oyi, Alapa, Malete, Bani, Offa, Idofian, Eiyenkorin and the Lagos-Ilorin Expressway.

“These areas remain under close surveillance because of their strategic use by smugglers for the illegal movement of uncustomed goods into and out of the country,” he said.

The acting controller revealed that operatives intercepted 155 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 pieces of used tyres, 418 jerry cans of vegetable oil, and 3,697 cartons of macaroni pasta during various operations.

Other items seized include 5,925 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 49.5 kilograms of cannabis, 376 kilograms of tramadol, corrosive oxidiser chemicals, and 18 bales of second-hand clothing.

He added that the total Duty Paid Value of the seized items stood at N204,763,439.

Ogundeyi noted that the seizures demonstrate the command’s determination to combat smuggling, protect government revenue, and discourage illegal trade activities.

“These achievements reflect the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring that legitimate trade thrives,” he stated.

The customs boss commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and support, which he said contributed to the command’s successes.

He also praised other security agencies for their collaboration, describing inter-agency cooperation as critical to the effectiveness of anti-smuggling operations.

According to him, the redeployment of new officers to the Customs Intelligence Unit and Customs Police Unit has further strengthened intelligence gathering, discipline and operational efficiency within the command.

Ogundeyi assured residents that the command would sustain surveillance and enforcement operations aimed at frustrating smugglers and economic saboteurs.

“We remain committed to deploying intelligence-driven and proactive strategies to secure our borders and protect national economic interests,” he said.

He also appealed to residents of border communities to support the service with credible and timely information capable of aiding ongoing anti-smuggling efforts.

The acting controller warned that individuals involved in illegal trade would continue to face the full weight of the law, stressing that the command remains determined to ensure economic offenders are brought to justice.