By Onu Okorie

Kwara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has disclosed that beyond its anti-smuggling operations, the command generated N7,978,338,031.21 in revenue during the period under review.
The controller said the revenue performance demonstrated the command’s commitment to maximising revenue for the Federal Government while balancing revenue collection with trade facilitation and national security responsibilities.
He attributed the command’s enforcement successes to intelligence-led operations and praised the Intelligence Unit and Customs Police Unit for their efforts.
intercepted smuggled goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N604.33 million across various operational corridors in the state.
The Customs Area Controller, Kwara Area Command, disclosed this during a press briefing, saying the seizures were part of sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at suppressing smuggling, protecting government revenue and safeguarding national security.
According to him, the seizures comprised 80 bales and six sacks of used clothing valued at N32.3 million; 6,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N2.75 million; and 3,396 packets of Tramadol 100mg with a DPV of N50.946 million.
Other items seized included 14 bags of Basmati rice, valued at N350,000; 6,705 cartons of foreign spaghetti, valued at N201.15 million; and 270 bags of foreign parboiled rice, valued at N25.245 million.
The command also intercepted a 2025 Toyota Highlander, valued at N214 million, along the Bode-Saadu Expressway, as well as a 2018 Dodge Charger SXT, valued at N77.59 million, along the Lagos-Kwara highway at Eyankorin.
The Customs Area Controller said the seizures reflected the changing tactics employed by smugglers, ranging from the diversion of petroleum products to the movement of unregulated pharmaceuticals and uncustomed vehicles.
He particularly described the seizure of the Tramadol as a significant public health and security intervention, warning that the unregulated entry of controlled substances posed serious risks to Nigerians.
He also said the interception of PMS was aimed at preventing the illegal diversion of strategic petroleum supplies intended for domestic consumption into illicit border markets.
He also commended officers and men of the command for their dedication across what he described as vast and challenging terrains.
The controller stressed that collaboration with sister security agencies remained critical to combating trans-border crime, noting that smuggling could not be effectively tackled by the Customs Service alone.
Food Seizures Not Against Food Security
The Customs Area Controller also clarified that the interception of foreign food products should not be interpreted as opposition to food availability in Nigeria.
He explained that the Customs Service was enforcing existing laws governing cross-border trade and was required to intervene whenever goods were moved through unapproved routes, bypassed regulatory checks or lacked the necessary documentation.
According to him, the illegal influx of foreign food products through porous borders could undermine government policies designed to encourage local agricultural production, protect domestic investment and strengthen the country’s value chain.
He maintained that enforcement was also necessary to protect compliant traders from unfair competition by smugglers who bypass established procedures for illicit profit.