The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations with the interception of three pump-action rifles and the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to an arms smuggling network.
The development was disclosed by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Adewole, during a press briefing held in Ibadan on June 18, 2026.
Adewole described the seizure of the firearms as one of the Command’s most significant operational achievements in recent months, noting that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network and bring all those involved to justice.
According to him, the operation formed part of intensified intelligence-led enforcement activities across the Command’s area of responsibility.
“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 ensure that all persons connected with the unlawful act are brought to justice,” Adewole said.
Beyond the firearms seizure, the Customs boss revealed that officers of the Command intercepted a wide range of prohibited and restricted goods with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of more than ₦3.22 billion.
The confiscated items included 1,537 bags of foreign parboiled rice, used clothing, used tyres, pharmaceutical products, cannabis sativa, tramadol, premium motor spirit (PMS), as well as several vehicles allegedly used in smuggling operations.
The seizures, according to the Command, underscore its sustained efforts to combat illicit trade, safeguard public health and security, and protect the nation’s economy from the adverse effects of smuggling.
In a separate intelligence-driven operation conducted in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps in Ibadan, Customs operatives also arrested a suspected recruitment fraudster accused of defrauding members of the public by falsely promising employment opportunities within the Nigeria Customs Service.
Adewole used the opportunity to warn Nigerians against falling victim to fraudulent recruitment schemes, emphasizing that recruitment into the Service follows a transparent and officially approved process.
“Recruitment into the NCS is transparent, merit-based and conducted strictly through officially approved channels. Members of the public should disregard individuals who claim to offer employment opportunities in exchange for money,” he stated.
The Acting Area Controller also highlighted the Command’s revenue performance, disclosing that it generated ₦28.5 billion between March and May 2026.
According to the figures released, the Command collected ₦28,503,393,802.75 during the three-month period, representing an eight per cent increase compared to the ₦26,233,796,496.57 generated during the corresponding period in 2025.
The improved revenue performance, coupled with the significant seizures recorded during the period, reflects the Command’s dual focus on trade facilitation and enforcement, as authorities continue to intensify efforts to curb smuggling and strengthen border security.
The latest interception of firearms is expected to heighten concerns about the illegal movement of weapons across the country, even as security agencies step up collaboration to dismantle criminal networks involved in arms trafficking and other transnational crimes.
