Customs Nab Three Over Smuggled Rifles, Seize N3.22bn Contraband in Oyo/Osun

Customs Nab Three Over Smuggled Rifles, Seize N3.22bn Contraband in Oyo/Osun

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The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested three suspects in connection with the attempted smuggling of three pump-action rifles and detained another suspect over alleged recruitment fraud and impersonation.

The Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan.

Adewole said the suspects linked to the firearms seizure are currently under investigation, noting that the Command is collaborating with the Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit and Legal Unit to identify and apprehend those behind the smuggling attempt.

“In connection with the seizure of the three pump-action rifles, three suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing investigation,” he stated.

The Acting Controller also revealed that a separate suspect was arrested following intelligence shared by the Amotekun Corps over an alleged fake recruitment scheme and impersonation.

According to him, the suspect allegedly deceived members of the public by claiming he could secure employment opportunities in the Nigeria Customs Service in exchange for money.

He warned Nigerians against falling victim to such schemes, stressing that recruitment into the Service is transparent, merit-based and conducted only through official channels.

Meanwhile, the Command announced the interception of contraband goods with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.22 billion between March and May 2026.

Items seized during the period include foreign parboiled rice, used clothing, shoes, tyres, pharmaceuticals, cannabis sativa, tramadol, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), sugar, pasta products, used compressors and several vehicles used in smuggling operations.

Adewole said the seizures dealt a significant blow to smuggling networks while helping to protect the nation’s economy and security.

“The cumulative Duty Paid Value of these seizures stands at N3,221,843,672,” he said.

The Customs boss further disclosed that the Command generated N28.5 billion in revenue during the same period, representing an eight per cent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

He attributed the achievements to enhanced intelligence-driven operations and commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for providing effective leadership.

Adewole also praised officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and dedication, assuring that efforts to combat smuggling, safeguard national security and boost revenue generation would continue.