Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of three pump-action rifles and the arrest of three suspects in connection with an alleged attempt to smuggle the firearms through its area of operation.
The development was disclosed on Thursday, June 18, 2026, during a press briefing held in Ibadan, Oyo State, by the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Adewole. He stated that the Command’s anti-smuggling operations also resulted in the seizure of various prohibited and restricted goods with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦3.22 billion.
Adewole described the recovery of the firearms as one of the major achievements recorded by the Command during the period under review. He said the three suspects arrested in connection with the intercepted rifles remained under investigation as authorities worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the attempted movement of the weapons.
The Acting Area Controller explained that the Command was collaborating with relevant internal units, including the Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit and Legal Unit, to investigate the case and identify all individuals connected to the alleged illegal activity.
According to him, the interception of the rifles demonstrated the importance of intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement operations in preventing the movement of prohibited items through the country’s borders and trade routes.
Adewole stated that the Customs Command had intensified anti-smuggling activities across Oyo and Osun states, leading to the recovery of different categories of goods considered prohibited or restricted under existing regulations.
Among the seized items were 1,537 bags of foreign parboiled rice, used clothing, used tyres, pharmaceuticals, cannabis sativa, tramadol, premium motor spirit (PMS), and vehicles allegedly used for smuggling operations.
The combined value of the seized items was put at over ₦3.22 billion in Duty Paid Value, according to the Customs official. He noted that the seizures reflected the Command’s continued efforts to enforce trade regulations and protect national security.
The Command also disclosed that an intelligence-led operation carried out in partnership with the Amotekun Corps in Ibadan resulted in the arrest of a suspected recruitment fraudster.
The suspect was accused of allegedly collecting money from members of the public by falsely claiming to have the ability to secure employment opportunities within the Nigeria Customs Service.
Adewole warned Nigerians against patronising individuals who demand payment in exchange for recruitment opportunities, stressing that employment into the Customs Service follows approved procedures.
He explained that recruitment into the Nigeria Customs Service is based on transparency and merit and is conducted through official channels approved by relevant authorities.
The Customs official urged members of the public to verify recruitment information through recognised sources and avoid falling victim to fraudulent employment schemes.
Speaking on the Command’s revenue performance, Adewole disclosed that the Oyo/Osun Area Command generated ₦28,503,393,802.75 between March and May 2026.
He said the revenue figure represented an increase compared with the ₦26,233,796,496.57 generated during the same period in 2025.
The Acting Controller attributed the revenue performance to improved operational strategies, compliance monitoring and efforts by officers of the Command.
The Nigeria Customs Service has continued to combine revenue collection responsibilities with enforcement operations aimed at preventing smuggling and illegal trade activities.
The latest seizures involving firearms and other prohibited goods highlight the security and economic responsibilities of Customs officers in monitoring movement of goods across the country.
Authorities said investigations into the intercepted rifles and arrested suspects would continue, while further actions would be taken based on the outcome of the investigations.
The Oyo/Osun Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining anti-smuggling operations, protecting national security and supporting lawful trade activities within its jurisdiction.
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