The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations, busting a firearms smuggling ring, intercepting three pump-action rifles, arresting three suspects, and seizing contraband goods valued at N3.22 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV) across coordinated enforcement operations.
A statement by the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Adewole, said the interception of the firearms represents one of the most significant breakthroughs recorded by the command in recent times, adding that the suspects arrested in connection with the attempted smuggling are currently under investigation.
He explained that intelligence-led operations were ongoing to dismantle the network behind the illegal importation of the weapons, stressing that security agencies were working in close coordination to ensure that all individuals involved were brought to justice.
“The command is working closely with the Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit, and the Legal Unit to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attempted smuggling of the firearms and ensure that all persons connected with the unlawful act are brought to justice,” Adewole stated.
Beyond the firearms seizure, the Command also recorded significant interceptions of prohibited and restricted goods across its area of responsibility.
These include 1,537 bags of foreign parboiled rice, used clothing, used tyres, pharmaceutical products, cannabis sativa, tramadol, premium motor spirit (PMS), and several vehicles allegedly used in smuggling operations.
Adewole said the total Duty Paid Value of all seized items stood at over ₦3.22 billion, noting that the figure reflects the Command’s intensified enforcement drive against smuggling syndicates operating within the South-West corridor.
In a separate intelligence-driven operation, the Command, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps in Ibadan, arrested a suspected recruitment fraudster accused of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public by promising them jobs in the Nigeria Customs Service in exchange for money.
He cautioned members of the public against engaging such fraudsters, stressing that recruitment into the Service is strictly merit-based and conducted through approved and transparent procedures.
“Recruitment into the NCS is transparent, merit-based, and conducted strictly through officially approved channels. Members of the public should disregard individuals who claim to offer employment opportunities in exchange for money,” he warned.
On revenue performance, Adewole disclosed that the Command generated ₦28.50 billion between March and May 2026, representing an 8 per cent increase compared to ₦26.23 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
He attributed the improved performance to strengthened enforcement measures, enhanced intelligence gathering, and sustained anti-smuggling operations across key corridors under the Command’s jurisdiction.
The command reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal smuggling networks, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and safeguarding national security and economic stability.