The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a pistol, six pistol magazines, a pump-action magazine and 60 detonating cords, alongside police crests, camouflage uniform materials and other prohibited and restricted items with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦4.11 billion.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, disclosed this on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command’s Operational Headquarters in Ibadan.
Adewole said the seizures were recorded in August 2026 as part of intensified anti-smuggling operations across the Command’s areas of jurisdiction.
Among the items intercepted were 2,012 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 550 bags of 25kg foreign parboiled rice, 2,440 wraps of Cannabis Sativa, 1,150 used tyres, 101 used compressors and 48 packs of 225mg Tramadol.
Others included 105 bales and 28 sacks of used clothing, 18 sacks of used shoes, 450 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) of 25 litres each, totalling 5,000 litres, 33 bottles of foreign vegetable oil, 30 bags of foreign sugar weighing 60kg each and 17 used vehicles.
The Command also intercepted 573 Nigeria Police Force crests, 92 yards of Nigeria Police Force camouflage uniform fabric, 10 units of means of conveyance, 10 containers of Corrosive 8 Mercury and a jack knife.
Adewole said the interception of police crests and camouflage materials was particularly significant because of the potential security implications of unauthorised possession and movement of security agency uniforms.
According to him, such materials could be misused by criminal elements to impersonate law enforcement personnel, gain unauthorised access to restricted locations or facilitate criminal activities.
He also highlighted the interception of Corrosive 8 Mercury, describing it as a hazardous chemical substance capable of posing significant risks if improperly handled, stored or transported.
He said uncontrolled movement of such materials could expose the public to risks including fire, explosion, injury and property damage, with potentially fatal consequences in extreme circumstances.
The Acting Controller said the seizures reflected the vigilance and professionalism of Customs officers, as well as the importance of intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
Command Records 13.88% Revenue Growth
Beyond its anti-smuggling operations, the Oyo/Osun Area Command recorded a significant increase in revenue collection during the first eight months of 2026.
Adewole said the Command generated ₦65.661 billion between January and August 2026, compared with ₦57.656 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2025.
He said the figure represented a 13.88 per cent increase in revenue collection year-on-year.
According to him, the performance was driven by the Command’s sustained focus on effective revenue collection, trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement and the deployment of strategies aimed at improving compliance.
Adewole said the Command would continue to balance its revenue responsibilities with the facilitation of legitimate trade, while intensifying efforts to prevent the smuggling of prohibited and restricted goods.
He said particular attention would be paid to items with implications for national security and public safety, assuring legitimate businesses and law-abiding members of the public that they would not be unduly impeded.
The Acting Controller reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to discharging its mandate professionally and in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.