OYO/OSUN CUSTOMS SMASHES N3.2BN SMUGGLING RING, RAKES IN N28.5BN
OYO/OSUN CUSTOMS SMASHES N3.2BN SMUGGLING RING, RAKES IN N28.5BN
By Success Okezie
Smugglers in the Southwest took a heavy hit on Thursday as the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service declared open season on contraband, announcing seizures worth *N3.2 billion* and a revenue breakthrough of *N28.5 billion* between March and May 2026.
The announcement came during a high-stakes press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan. Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, told journalists the Command had entered a new phase of “intelligence-driven enforcement and zero tolerance” for economic sabotage.
“This is not luck. This is strategy,” DC Adewole declared. “The dedication of our officers, combined with stronger collaboration with sister agencies, has produced these results. We are here to protect Nigeria’s economy, not negotiate with smugglers.”
The Command’s dragnet swept across highways and border routes, confiscating a mountain of illegal goods. The seizure list reads like a smuggler’s inventory: *1,537 bags of foreign parboiled rice* valued at ₦286.8m; *102 bales + 13 sacks of used clothing* worth ₦217.5m; *56 sacks of used shoes* worth ₦368.1m; *1,105 used tyres* valued at ₦204.4m; and *604 kegs of PMS* totalling 15,100 litres worth ₦49.3m.
But the most dangerous catches were drugs and weapons. Operatives intercepted *5,595 packs/sachets of Tramadol 250mg* worth over *N1.17 billion*, *1,769 wraps of Cannabis Sativa* valued at ₦167.6m, and cartons of controlled pharmaceuticals including Rohypnol, Hiegra, and Analgin Injection. In a chilling discovery, *three pump-action rifles* were seized, leading to the arrest of *three suspects* now undergoing interrogation.
DC Adewole was blunt: “Anyone attempting to flood our streets with arms and drugs will meet the full force of the law. Investigation is ongoing, and we will trace this network to its roots.”
In a joint operation with Amotekun Corps, the Command also arrested a fraudster impersonating Customs officers and collecting money for fake recruitment. DC Adewole issued a stern warning to Nigerians: “Recruitment into the Nigeria Customs Service is 100% FREE. It is merit-based and runs only through official NCS channels. Anyone asking you for money is a criminal. Stay alert.”
Beyond seizures, the Command posted impressive numbers on revenue. It generated *₦28,503,393,802.75* between March-May 2026, compared to *₦26,233,796,496.57* in the same period last year. That’s an *8% increase*, about *₦2.27 billion more* in just 90 days.
DC Adewole credited compliant traders, effective anti-leakage measures, and the sacrifice of officers working round the clock to keep revenue flowing.
The briefing ended on a high note with a *Commendation Awards ceremony* where outstanding officers were celebrated for bravery, integrity, and exceptional service delivery. The Controller saluted the entire workforce for “standing tall in the face of danger.”
Closing the event, DC Adewole sent a clear message: “Oyo/Osun Command will not relent. We will continue to dismantle smuggling networks, facilitate legitimate trade, protect national security, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.” He extended gratitude to sister security agencies, the business community, and the media for their partnership.
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