Customs Seize ₦2.7bn Worth of Contraband in Oyo and Osun, Says New Area Controller

By Zainab Uzomah

The Nigeria Customs Service says it seized goods worth more than ₦2.7bn in the Oyo/Osun Area Command within one month, according to the Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole.

Speaking at his maiden press briefing for 2026, Mr Adewole said the seizures were made through intelligence-led operations and sustained patrols across major smuggling routes. Items intercepted include 2,234 bags of foreign parboiled rice, over 1,100 used tyres, 562 kegs of petrol, 124 bales of used clothing, and narcotics such as cannabis, codeine syrup and tramadol. Several Tokunbo vehicles and trucks used for conveyance were also seized.

He added that the command generated more than ₦8.3bn in revenue in December 2025 and exceeded its annual revenue target for the year. The command recorded a surplus of ₦13.1bn above its 2025 target of ₦86.3bn, representing a 15.22% increase. Mr Adewole credited the performance to improved compliance from traders, stronger monitoring and the commitment of officers.

The acting controller warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities, saying the command maintains a zero-tolerance policy on economic sabotage. He said closer collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders would continue to guide the command’s operations.

Mr Adewole expressed appreciation to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, for his support, and thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as well as the media for what he described as their role in promoting public awareness.