From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
In less than a month in office, the Acting Area Controller of the Kwara Area Command, of the Nigeria Customs Service, DC Najeem Ogundeyi, has announced major seizures of smuggled goods and vehicles, signaling a tough stance against illegal trade in the state.
Speaking at a press conference DC Ogundeyi, said the operations were guided by intelligence-driven enforcement and strict adherence to the Customs Act 2023.
“Upon assumption of duty, I made it clear that this Command would operate with professionalism, zero tolerance for compromise, and in line with the law. I am pleased to report that these directives are already yielding results,” he stated.
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According to the Acting Controller, the command intercepted 389 bales of second-hand clothing and 108 sacks of used bags along the Ogbomosho-Iyankorin Expressway, 6,500 litres of petrol along the Bukuro border axis, and 450 bags of foreign parboiled rice along the Okuta border axis.
Notably, three vehicles including a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser VX, a 2025 Lexus LX 600, and a 2016 Mercedes Benz GLE350 were also seized in different parts of Kwara State, with all vehicles under detention for further investigation.
Additionally, 170 used tires were confiscated along the Lagos-Jeba Expressway. The total duty paid value (DPV) of these seizures is estimated at N1,219,209,369.
DC Ogundeyi commended his officers for their dedication, noting that their professionalism and resilience were central to the operation’s success. “Smuggling activities will no longer be tolerated under my watch. Kwara Area Command is no longer a safe haven for illegal trade. Anyone involved will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
He also appealed to the public and stakeholders to support the Customs Service by providing credible information to aid enforcement. “Customs is not an enemy of the people; we are partners in progress, working to secure our borders and strengthen the economy,” he said.
The Acting Controller assured that the command would sustain its enforcement efforts while maintaining professionalism, transparency, and respect for human rights.
