NCS Oyo/Osun Generates ₦65.66bn, Seizes Arms, Police Uniforms, 2,562 Bags of Rice
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated ₦65.66 billion between January and August 2026, representing a 13.88 per cent increase over the ₦57.66 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2025.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Moses Adewole, disclosed this on Thursday in Ibadan while briefing journalists on the revenue performance and anti-smuggling activities of the Command.
Adewole said the Command generated exactly ₦65,661,343,026.94 in the first eight months of the year, compared with ₦57,656,161,990.24 recorded during the same period last year.
He attributed the increase to sustained efforts in effective revenue collection, trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement and the deployment of strategies aimed at improving compliance.
Beyond revenue generation, the Customs Command said it had intensified its anti-smuggling operations across its areas of jurisdiction, leading to the seizure of various prohibited and restricted items during August 2026.
Among the items intercepted were 2,012 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each and 550 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 25kg each, bringing the total number of foreign rice bags seized to 2,562.
Other seized items included 2,440 wraps of Cannabis Sativa, 1,150 pieces of used tyres, 101 used compressors, 48 packs of 225mg Tramadol, 105 bales and 28 sacks of used clothing, 18 sacks of used shoes and 450 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) of 25 litres each.
The Command also intercepted 33 bottles of foreign vegetable oil, 30 bags of foreign sugar weighing 60kg each, 573 pieces of Nigeria Police Force crest and 92 yards of Nigeria Police Force camouflage uniform fabric.
Seventeen used vehicles, popularly known as Tokunbo, as well as 10 units of means of conveyance, were also seized.
Of particular concern to the Command were items with potential security and public safety implications, including a pistol, six pistol magazines, one pump-action magazine, one jack knife and 60 detonating cords.
Also intercepted were 10 containers of Corrosive 8 Mercury, which the Command described as a hazardous chemical substance capable of posing significant risks when improperly handled, stored or transported.
Adewole said the seizures had a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦4.107 billion.
He expressed particular concern over the interception of police crests and camouflage uniform materials, warning that the unauthorised possession and movement of security agency uniforms could create serious security challenges.
“Such materials may be misused by criminal elements to impersonate law enforcement personnel, gain unauthorised access to restricted locations, or facilitate criminal activities,” he said.
According to him, the interception underscored the importance of preventing security-related materials from being diverted into the wrong hands.
The Acting Controller also drew attention to the interception of Corrosive 8 Mercury, noting that the uncontrolled movement of hazardous materials could expose members of the public to risks.
He said such risks could include fire, explosion, injury and property damage, and in extreme circumstances, loss of lives.
“The interception therefore helped to prevent potentially hazardous materials from entering circulation and being handled by unauthorised persons,” Adewole said.
The Customs boss attributed the success of the anti-smuggling operations to the vigilance and professionalism of officers and men of the Command, as well as intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders.
He assured that the Command would sustain its efforts to boost revenue generation while facilitating legitimate trade and combating smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.
Adewole said the Command would pay particular attention to items with implications for national security and public safety, while ensuring that legitimate businesses and law-abiding members of the public were not unduly impeded.
He further assured stakeholders that the Command would continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally and in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Acts 2023.
