From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara Area Command, has intensified its fight against smuggling, intercepting over ₦478 million worth of prohibited and restricted items across the state.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi, said the seizures reflect the Command’s renewed focus on intelligence-driven operations.
“Despite repeated warnings, some individuals continue to engage in acts of economic sabotage, attempting to smuggle prohibited items into the country. I want to make it clear that such activities will always be met with firm and decisive action,” Ogundeyi said.
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The items seized included 1,107 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 317 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit suspected for illegal cross-border trade, 120 sacks of illegally mined lithium ore, used vehicles and spare parts, second-hand clothing, and imported sugar. The seizures were made at multiple locations, including Alapa Patrol Base, Bode Saadu, Bukuro, and Eiyenkorin areas.
The Acting Area Controller emphasised that the seizures support the Federal Government’s policies, particularly the ban on imported foreign rice, aimed at promoting local production, empowering farmers, and ensuring food security. “The illegal importation of foreign rice poses a significant threat to these national objectives and the stability of our agricultural sector,” he noted.
Ogundeyi also commended the inter-agency collaboration that contributed to these successes, describing it as “critical in addressing the complex challenges posed by trans-border crimes.” He further expressed gratitude to the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for the support and guidance provided to the Command.
On revenue generation, the Command collected over ₦2.5 billion within the period under review, reflecting sustained commitment to government fiscal objectives.
Ogundeyi urged the public to support lawful trade, stressing that the fight against smuggling requires collective effort. “Together, we must safeguard our national economy, protect local industries, and promote sustainable development for the benefit of our nation and future generations,” he said.
The press conference served as a public demonstration of the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the enforcement of laws protecting Nigeria’s economy.
