Customs Seizes N604m Smuggled Goods in Kwara

The Nigeria Customs Service in Kwara has seized contraband worth N604.33 million and generated N7.98 billion for the Federal Government. The Acting Area Controller, Najeem Ogundeyi, shared this information on Thursday during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ilorin.

Ogundeyi explained that the seizures came from different areas in the state. This action is part of the effort to stop smuggling, protect government revenue, support legal trade, and ensure national security.

Among the seized items are 80 bales and six sacks of used clothing, 6,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 3,396 packets of 100mg Tramadol, 14 bags of Basmati rice, 6,705 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 270 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and two vehicles.

The vehicles include a 2025 Toyota Highlander, valued at N214 million, and a 2018 Dodge Charger SXT, worth N77.59 million. Ogundeyi noted that the used clothing was intercepted along the Ogbomoso-Jebba road, while the petrol was seized along the Bukuro-Okuta-Chikanda road.

He added that the 3,396 packets of Tramadol, worth N50.946 million, were caught along the Okuta road, while the Basmati rice was taken at the Bode-Saadu Expressway. The 6,705 cartons of foreign spaghetti had a value of N201.15 million, while the 270 bags of foreign parboiled rice were valued at N25.245 million.

Ogundeyi said the Toyota Highlander was seized on the Bode-Saadu Expressway, while the Dodge Charger SXT was intercepted on the Lagos-Kwara highway at Eyenkorin. "The total combined Duty Paid Value of the seizures is N604,333,592," he stated.

He emphasized that the command’s enforcement actions do not target legitimate food trade. Instead, they aim to stop goods from being moved through illegal routes without proper documents. He said intercepting foreign food products supports government efforts to boost local farming, protect domestic investment, and strengthen the local economy.

"When goods are moved through illegal routes, bypass regulatory checks, or lack proper documentation, the Service is legally required to intervene," Ogundeyi said. He added that allowing smuggled food into Nigeria would disadvantage honest traders since smugglers avoid duties and rules that legal importers must follow.

Regarding the Tramadol seizure, Ogundeyi described it as a major public health and security issue. He said the illegal entry of controlled substances creates risks beyond just losing revenue. The seizure of the 3,396 packets of Tramadol shows the importance of enforcing border laws to stop unregulated drugs from entering Nigeria.

He also mentioned that 6,875 litres of petrol were intercepted along the Bukuro-Okuta-Chikanda road. This enforcement action is meant to prevent petrol meant for local use from being sold on the black market.

On revenue collection, Ogundeyi said the command generated N7,978,338,031.21 during this period. He described this as proof of the command’s effort to maximize revenue for the Federal Government while still facilitating trade and ensuring national security.

"These achievements show our commitment to maximizing revenue for the Federal Government while balancing trade facilitation and national security," he said. Ogundeyi credited the seizures to intelligence gathering, patrols, and working with other security agencies.

He praised the Intelligence Unit and Customs Police Unit for their roles in the interceptions. He also thanked the officers for their hard work despite the tough conditions they faced during patrols.

The Acting Controller noted that smugglers are changing tactics, requiring ongoing intelligence-based enforcement and strong cooperation among security agencies. "Trans-border crime cannot be fought alone; teamwork between agencies is crucial to our operations," he said.

Ogundeyi urged people in border communities, traditional leaders, transporters, and others to share useful information that can help fight smuggling and cross-border crimes. He assured honest traders of the command’s support but warned that they would continue to enforce Customs laws against smuggling.

"We will fully support legitimate trade, but smuggling will face strict enforcement," he said. He also thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his support and guidance to the command. Ogundeyi took charge of the Kwara Area Command in December 2025 and has focused on intelligence-led enforcement and collaboration with other security agencies.