The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested four suspects, including three linked to the attempted smuggling of pump-action rifles, and intercepted contraband worth N3.22 billion between March and May 2026.
Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Ibadan.
Adewole said three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure of three pump-action rifles and are currently under investigation.
“In connection with the seizure of the three pump-action rifles, three suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing investigation,” he said.
He added that the Command, working with the Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit and Legal Unit, is intensifying efforts to uncover the network behind the attempted arms smuggling.
The Controller also revealed the arrest of another suspect over alleged impersonation and recruitment fraud. The suspect was apprehended through intelligence shared by the Amotekun Corps and is accused of deceiving members of the public with false promises of securing employment in the Nigeria Customs Service in exchange for money.
“The suspect is currently in custody. It is important to note that no individual can secure employment into the Nigeria Customs Service through unofficial means,” Adewole warned.
He urged Nigerians to ignore fraudsters claiming to facilitate recruitment into the Service, stressing that enlistment is transparent, merit-based and conducted strictly through official channels.
Highlighting the Command’s anti-smuggling achievements, Adewole said officers intercepted a wide range of prohibited and smuggled items with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.22 billion during the review period.
The seized items include foreign parboiled rice, used clothing, shoes, tyres, pharmaceuticals, cannabis sativa, tramadol, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), sugar, pasta products, used compressors and several vehicles deployed for smuggling operations, including buses, trucks and saloon cars.
“The cumulative Duty Paid Value of these seizures stands at N3,221,843,672,” he said, noting that the interceptions disrupted criminal networks and protected the nation’s economy.
On revenue generation, Adewole disclosed that the Command raked in N28.5 billion between March and May 2026, representing an eight per cent increase over the corresponding period in 2025.
He attributed the successes to enhanced intelligence-driven operations and commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and support.
The Acting Controller also praised officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and dedication, assuring that the fight against smuggling and other economic crimes would remain relentless.
