Customs Records ₦4.11bn Duty Value From August Seizures, Hands Over Sensitive Exhibits

By Victoria Isaac

The Nigeria Customs Service recorded seizures with a cumulative Duty Paid Value of ₦4.11 billion in August 2026, as the Oyo/Osun Area Command intercepted a range of prohibited and security-sensitive items, including foreign rice, narcotics, police uniform materials, firearms-related items and corrosive substances.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, disclosed this on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command’s operational headquarters in Ibadan.

According to the briefing, the seizures comprised 2,012 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, 550 bags of 25kg foreign parboiled rice, 2,440 wraps of Cannabis sativa, 1,150 used tyres and 101 used compressors.

Other intercepted items included 48 packs of 225mg Tramadol, 105 bales and 28 sacks of used clothing, 18 sacks of used shoes, 450 kegs of PMS totalling 5,000 litres, 33 bottles of foreign vegetable oil, 30 bags of foreign sugar, 17 units of used vehicles and 10 means of conveyance.

The Command also intercepted 573 pieces of Nigeria Police Force (NPF) crests, 92 yards of NPF camouflage uniform fabric, 10 containers of Corrosive 8 Mercury, one pistol, six pistol magazines, one pump-action magazine, one jackknife and 60 detonating cords.

“I cannot do it alone without my officers.”

The total Duty Paid Value of the seizures stood at ₦4,106,951,689.00.

Adewole attributed the operational successes to the vigilance and commitment of officers and men of the Command, alongside intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies.

In an interview with newsmen, the Acting Area Controller acknowledged the contribution of his officers to the Command’s recent successes, stressing that the results could not have been achieved without their efforts.

“I cannot do it alone without my officers.”

He explained that the performance of some personnel within a short period prompted the Command to recognise them for their contributions to enforcement operations.

Among those recognised were Assistant Comptroller of Customs Enitan Oluremi, for exceptional performance in making remarkable seizures; Assistant Comptroller Nurudeen Kolawole Tijani, for his role in anti-smuggling operations; and Adewale Kazeem Babasunkanmi, who was recognised as the most outstanding officer in the interception of narcotics.

The awards were presented during the ceremony by officials of the Command, with Adewole and Deputy Controller of Customs Kayode Elijah among those involved in the presentation.

Security Concerns Over Police Uniform Materials

Adewole said the interception of NPF crests and camouflage uniform fabric was particularly significant because unauthorised possession or movement of security-related materials could create security concerns.

He noted that the Command would continue to pay attention to items capable of affecting national security and public safety, while ensuring that legitimate businesses and law-abiding members of the public were not unnecessarily impeded.

“We don’t just set them ablaze. Procedures are being followed.”

The Customs chief also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with sister agencies in dealing with intercepted items requiring specialised handling.

NDLEA Moves To Track Narcotics Network.

Speaking on the narcotics seizures in an interview with newsmen, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Oyo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abdul A. Maiyaki, said information obtained from Customs would be used to strengthen intelligence efforts against those involved in the movement of the substances.

He said the agency would deploy its intelligence unit to track the runners involved in the illicit trade.

Maiyaki also clarified that the seized narcotics would not be destroyed arbitrarily, noting that the prescribed procedures and necessary approvals must be obtained before destruction.

“We don’t just set them ablaze. Procedures are being followed.”

NESREA Begins Assessment Of Corrosive Substance

The State Coordinator of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Aodu Mayowa, also commended the Customs Service for intercepting the 10 containers of Corrosive 8 Mercury.

In an interview with newsmen, Mayowa described the substance as highly corrosive and said NESREA would conduct further investigation to establish relevant technical details concerning the seized materials.

He explained that some technical information could not be disclosed immediately, adding that the public would be informed once the investigation was concluded.

Agencies Receive Seized Exhibits

Following the briefing, some of the intercepted items were handed over to the relevant security and regulatory agencies for appropriate action.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Isiaka Salawudeen received 92 yards of NPF camouflage uniform fabric and 573 NPF crests on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force.

Assistant Director of NESREA, Aodu Mayowa, received the 10 containers of Corrosive 8 Mercury for further regulatory action.

Similarly, the NDLEA Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Abdul A. Maiyaki, received 2,440 pieces of Cannabis sativa and 12 sacks of Cannabis sativa weighing 20kg for appropriate action.

Adewole reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led enforcement, inter-agency collaboration, revenue generation and the facilitation of legitimate trade.

He also appreciated members of the press for their continued partnership and responsible reporting of the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service.