The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced the interception of smuggled items, including foreign parboiled rice, petrol, and cannabis sativa, amongst others.
The seizures, made thus far in the month of March include 2,030 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice worth ₦223,300,000; 28 bales of used clothes and 1 bale of used shoes with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦ 20,160,000 and ₦420,000 respectively as well as 28 pieces of used refrigerator compressors valued at ₦1,764,000.
Others are 8 pieces of used AC compressors worth ₦252,000; 167 pieces of used tyres with DPV of ₦16,032,000; petrol 167 (25 litres kegs) valued at ₦4,592,500; 660kg of cannabis sativa worth ₦21,780,000 and 3 means of conveyance valued at ₦180,406,102, amounting to ₦468,706,602 for the total cost of items seized.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan on Monday, March 17, 2025.
His words: “During my maiden press briefing, I reported that within the 22 days of my assumption of duty, significant milestones were recorded both in the area of revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities, you would recall that the sum of ₦2,048,487,969.00k (Two billion, forty-eight million, four hundred and eighty-seven thousand, nine hundred and sixty-nine naira only) was generated as revenue for the period of 1st February – 27th February 2025, while the sum of ₦165,387,000.00k (One hundred and sixty-five million, three hundred and eighty-seven thousand naira only) was recorded for the anti-smuggling activities during this same period.
“Following the milestones recorded within my first 22 days in office, the Oyo/Osun Area Command remain committed to the Nigeria Customs Service mandate of revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade and the suppression of smuggling. The Command has continued to intensify its efforts in the area of anti-smuggling by ensuring the compliance with Customs regulations and safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
“I am pleased to inform you that, within the last 17 days after the Command’s maiden press briefing under my distinguished leadership, the Command has once again recorded a significant seizure of Foreign parboiled rice, Cannabis Sativa, Used Tyres, Used Clothes, Used Shoes and Used Compressors with a Duty Paid Value of Four Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Two Naira Only ₦468,706,602.00k.”
Comptroller Adelaja revealed that the achievement was made possible through effective intelligence sharing by the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Customs Police Unit, and the unwavering support of relevant stakeholders who collaborated with the Command to accomplish another milestone.
He stated that the foreign parboiled rice were concealed in three heavy-duty trucks.
“Unfortunately, these trucks were used to smuggle prohibited items. These illegal activities do not only undermine the nation’s economic development but also pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens,” the Comptroller remarked.
He warned smugglers who continue to engage in illegal activities that are detrimental to the economic growth of the country that the Command will leave no stone unturned in enforcing necessary compliance of the Customs laws.
Adelaja assured the general public that the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command remain resolute in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade, stressing that the Command will not relent in its efforts to curb these unlawful acts.
He called on stakeholders and patriotic citizens to continue extending their maximum support and cooperation in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities.
Comptroller Adelaja affirmed that their unwavering support is invaluable and will greatly enhance the Command’s ability to effectively discharge their duties in safeguarding the nation’s economy.
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the unwavering support extended to the officers and men of the Command in ensuring the efficient discharge of their duties.
Adelaja thanked the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde for his resolute dedication and the pivotal role he played in ensuring that the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command operate in an enabling environment to effectively discharge their primary duties.
He equally showered encomium on the traditional rulers for their continuous support and cooperation, noting that their efforts remain invaluable to the success of the Command’s operations.
The Comptroller acknowledged the steadfast commitment and collaboration of its sister security agencies within the state – and commended officers and men of the Command for their resilience, dedication, and commitment to suppressing smuggling and ensuring compliance with Customs extant laws.
“Your efforts are duly recognized and appreciated. I urge you all to remain steadfast and intensify your commitment to the discharge of your statutory duties,” Adelaja said.
He further expressed appreciation to the press for their unwavering support and dedication in disseminating accurate information to the public about the activities of the Command.
