By Fanayajo Ranti Margaret#
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated ₦65.66 billion in revenue between January and August 2026, representing a 13.88 per cent increase compared with the ₦57.66 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2025.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, disclosed this on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command’s Operational Headquarters in Ibadan.
Adewole attributed the revenue performance to sustained efforts in revenue collection, trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement and the deployment of strategies aimed at improving compliance.
Command Seizes Arms, Drugs, Rice, Vehicles, Other Contraband
The Acting Controller also revealed that the Command intensified its anti-smuggling operations in August, leading to the interception of various prohibited and restricted items.
Among the seized items were 2,012 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 550 bags of 25kg foreign parboiled rice, 2,440 wraps of Cannabis Sativa, 1,150 used tyres, 101 used compressors and 48 packs of 225mg Tramadol.
Other seizures included 105 bales and 28 sacks of used clothing, 18 sacks of used shoes, 450 kegs of PMS containing a total of 5,000 litres, 33 bottles of foreign vegetable oil, 30 bags of foreign sugar, 17 used vehicles and 10 means of conveyance.
The Command also intercepted 573 Nigeria Police Force crests, 92 yards of Nigeria Police Force camouflage uniform fabric, 10 containers of Corrosive 8 Mercury, one jack knife, one pistol, six pistol magazines, one pump-action magazine and 60 detonating cords.
According to Adewole, the seizures have a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦4.107 billion.
Customs Raises Alarm Over Security Uniforms
The Acting Controller expressed particular concern over the interception of police crests and camouflage uniform materials, warning that unauthorised possession and movement of security agency uniforms could pose serious security risks.
He noted that such materials could potentially be diverted for impersonation of law enforcement personnel, unauthorised access to restricted areas or facilitation of criminal activities.
He said the interception underscored the importance of preventing security-related materials from getting into the hands of criminal elements.
Adewole also highlighted the seizure of Corrosive 8 Mercury, describing it as a hazardous chemical substance that could pose significant risks when improperly handled, stored or transported.
According to him, uncontrolled movement of such substances could expose the public to risks including fire, explosion, injuries, property damage and, in extreme circumstances, loss of lives.
Adewole Commends Officers, Security Partners
The Acting Area Controller said the seizures demonstrated the vigilance, professionalism and commitment of Customs officers and men, stressing the importance of intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders.
He assured that the Oyo/Osun Area Command would sustain its efforts to improve revenue generation, facilitate legitimate trade and combat smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.
Adewole added that the Command would continue to pay particular attention to items with implications for national security and public safety while ensuring that legitimate businesses and law-abiding citizens were not unduly impeded.
He appreciated members of the media for their continued partnership and responsible reportage of the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Acting Controller reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to discharging its mandate professionally and in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.