Business Smuggling syndicates suffer setback at Oyo/osun as customs intercepts contraband goods worth ₦3.221bn smuggled items 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun area Command , has intercepted a large consignment of smuggled foreign vegetable oil,Tokunbo Car, Pump actions and other smuggled items worth ₦3,221,843,672.00k billion, in what authorities described as a major blow to illicit trade networks undermining Nigeria’s domestic manufacturing sector.

Speaking during a press briefing in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday, 18 June, the Ag. Comptroller in charge of the command , DC Wale Moses , said the operation underscored the Service’s commitment to enforcing government trade policies and protecting local industries from unfair competition posed by smuggled goods.

Full details of the Briefing:

PRESS BRIEFING SPEECH BY THE ACTING CONTROLLER, OYO/OSUN AREA COMMAND, DC WALE MOSES ADEWOLE ON 18TH JUNE 2026.

PROTOCOL Distinguished Members of the Management Team,Senior Officers from Sister Security Agencies,Officers and Men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command,Gentlemen of the Press,Ladies and Gentlemen,Good morning.

1. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this press briefing and express my sincere appreciation for your continued support and cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly the Oyo/Osun Area Command.

2. At the outset, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, fnipr, psc+, PhD, and the distinguished Members of the Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service for their visionary leadership, strategic direction, and unwavering support, which continue to enhance the operational effectiveness of Commands across the Service.

3. The Oyo/Osun Area Command remains steadfast in the discharge of its statutory mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade, in line with the policy thrust and reform agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs.

4. I am pleased to inform you that, through sustained intelligence-driven operations, enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies, and the dedication and professionalism of the officers and men of the Command, significant successes have been recorded in our anti-smuggling operations within the period under review.Among the items intercepted were:
5. In connection with the seizure of the three pump-action rifles, three suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing investigation. The Command is working closely with the Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit, and the Legal Unit to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attempted smuggling of the firearms and to ensure that all persons connected with the unlawful act are brought to justice.6. Furthermore, through effective intelligence gathering and collaboration with the Amotekun Corps in Ibadan, the Command apprehended another suspect involved in fraudulent activities and impersonation. The suspect allegedly defrauded unsuspecting members of the public by falsely claiming to facilitate recruitment into the Nigeria Customs Service in exchange for financial gratification. Investigation into the matter is ongoing.

6.The Command wishes to reiterate that recruitment into the Nigeria Customs Service is transparent, merit-based, and conducted strictly through officially approved channels. Members of the public are therefore advised to be vigilant and disregard individuals who claim to offer employment opportunities in exchange for money.

7. The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures stands at Three Billion, Two Hundred and Twenty-One Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy-Two Naira (₦3,221,843,672.00K).

These interceptions have helped safeguard the nation’s economy, protect local industries, enhance public safety, and frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs and criminal elements.

8. In the area of revenue generation, the Command collected the sum of Twenty-Eight Billion, Five Hundred and Three Million, Three Hundred and Ninety-Three Thousand, Eight Hundred and Two Naira, Seventy-Five Kobo (₦28,503,393,802.75) between March and May 2026. This represents an 8% increase when compared with the sum of Twenty-Six Billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-Three Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Six Thousand, Four Hundred and Ninety-Six Naira, Fifty-Seven Kobo (₦26,233,796,496.57) generated during the corresponding period in 2025.

9. This achievement reflects the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of our officers and men, as well as the cooperation of compliant stakeholders and members of the trading community. The Command remains resolute in its efforts to plug revenue leakages and ensure maximum revenue collection in accordance with extant laws and government policies.

10. As part of our commitment to promoting excellence and rewarding outstanding performance, the Command will today present Commendation Awards to deserving officers and men who have distinguished themselves through exemplary conduct, exceptional dedication, and outstanding service delivery. These awards are intended to recognize merit, encourage professionalism, and motivate officers and men to continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and service excellence. I heartily congratulate all award recipients and commend the entire workforce of the Oyo/Osun Area Command for their resilience and commitment

11. I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to our esteemed stakeholders, sister security agencies, members of the business community, and the media for their continued partnership, cooperation, and support. Your contributions remain invaluable to the achievement of our collective goals.

12. As we move forward, I wish to assure the general public that the Oyo/Osun Area Command will remain resolute in combating smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, protecting national security, and contributing meaningfully to the economic growth and prosperity of our great nation.

13. On behalf of the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, I thank you all for your presence and continued support.God bless the Nigeria Customs Service.God bless Oyo and Osun States.God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.Thank you for your attention.