The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted three pump-action rifles and arrested three suspects in a major anti-smuggling operation, as the Command intensified efforts to curb the influx of illegal goods and arms into the country.
Speaking during a press briefing in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Adewole, disclosed that the firearms seizure was among the Command’s most significant operational successes in recent months.
According to him, the operation led to the arrest of three suspects who are currently under investigation as authorities work to uncover the network behind the attempted smuggling of the weapons.
Adewole said the Command was collaborating with relevant units within the Service to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of all individuals connected to the illegal act.
“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,” he stated.
The Acting Area Controller revealed that the Command also recorded several other anti-smuggling successes, leading to the interception of prohibited and restricted goods with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦3.22 billion.
Items seized during the operations included 1,537 bags of foreign parboiled rice, used clothing, used tyres, pharmaceuticals, cannabis sativa, tramadol, premium motor spirit (PMS), and vehicles allegedly used in smuggling activities.
He attributed the achievements to enhanced intelligence gathering, coordinated enforcement strategies, and the commitment of officers and men of the Command to protecting the nation’s borders and economy.
In a separate intelligence-led operation carried out in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps in Ibadan, the Command apprehended a suspected recruitment fraudster accused of deceiving members of the public by promising them employment in the Nigeria Customs Service in exchange for money.
Adewole used the occasion to warn Nigerians against falling victim to recruitment scams, stressing that enlistment into the Service follows transparent and officially approved 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 generation, the Acting Area Controller announced that the Command generated ₦28.5 billion between March and May 2026, reflecting improved performance despite prevailing economic challenges.
According to him, the Command realised ₦28,503,393,802.75 during the period, representing an 8 per cent increase over the ₦26,233,796,496.57 collected within the same period in 2025.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining revenue growth, combating smuggling, and supporting national security through effective border management and intelligence-driven operations.
