The Kwara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted and seized a wide array of prohibited goods and improperly imported items with a Total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1,219,209,369.
This development has been widely acknowledged by stakeholders as a major blow to economic saboteurs.
The breakthrough was announced on Tuesday, by the Acting Area Controller, DC Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, during his first official press briefing since assuming office less than a month ago.
The haul marks one of the most significant single-month enforcement successes for the command in recent history.
The Acting Controller showcased a diverse range of items recovered through diligent patrols and intelligence-driven operations across strategic routes and border lines, which includes Luxury Vehicles (High-Value Interceptions): A brand new Toyota Landcruiser Jeep VX (2025 model), A brand new Lexus Jeep LX 600 (2025 model), (Both luxury SUVs were intercepted together in the Bode Saadu area), A Mercedes Benz GLE350 (2016 model) intercepted in the Okuta axis.
Food and Prohibited Items seized also include 450 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) seized along the Okuta border axis, 389 bales of second-hand clothing and 108 sacks of used bags intercepted along the Ogbomosho-Iyankorin expressway.
While seizure that occurs under the Energy and Industry includes 6,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted at patrol bases along the Bukuro border axis, 170 pieces of used tires seized along the Lagos-Jebba expressway.
DC Najeem Ogundeyi, who took over the command on December 17, 2025, emphasized that these achievements are the direct result of strictly adhering to the Customs Act 2023.
He credited the success to a shift toward professionalism, intelligence-driven operations, and zero tolerance for compromise.
“These seizures clearly demonstrate that smuggling activities will not be tolerated under my watch. Kwara Area Command is no longer a safe haven for illegal trade. We will continue to deploy all lawful means to protect the nation’s economy.” He said.
The Controller commended his officers for their resilience, noting that many of these interceptions were made under challenging conditions. He also called on the public to view the Customs Service as a partner in progress, urging citizens to provide timely and credible information to help secure Nigeria’s borders and strengthen the economy.
Pictures of some of the intercepted and seized items;
9japarrot reports that the luxury vehicles and other contraband are currently under detention for further investigation and legal action.
Earlier, DC Najeem Ogundeyi expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the entire Management of the Nigeria Customs Service for the confidence reposed in him with his appointment as the Acting Customs Area Controller of Kwara Command.
He vowed that the command under his leadership will continue to sustain this momentum of enforcement while ensuring transparency and respect for human rights in all operations.