Writing by ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara Area Command, says it has intercepted and seized a range of prohibited and restricted items worth over ₦478 million this year.
The Acting Customs Area Controller in Kwara state, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi stated this while speaking with newsmen on the activities of the command in Ilorin.
He said the Command has also generated over ₦2.5 billion in revenue during the period under review, reinforcing its role in supporting government fiscal objectives.
According to him, the Command remains determined to protect the nation’s economy and uphold the law.
Ogundeyi said the command would ensure the state does not become a safe haven for illegal trade, adding that those who attempt to undermine the nations economy through smuggling will face decisive action.
The Acting Customs Area Controller highlighted the persistence of smuggling despite repeated warnings, particularly the illegal importation of foreign parboiled rice, which threatens local farmers and national food security.
Ogundeyi noted that the ban on foreign parboiled rice is a strategic measure to empower local producers, create jobs, and strengthen food security.
Ogundeyi emphasized that these operations are intelligence-led and the result of close collaboration with other security agencies.
The Acting Customs Area Controller urged residents of border communities, traders, and the public to collaborate with the service to protect local industries, safeguard the national economy, and promote sustainable development.
Some of the items intercepted and seized by the Command, included five used vehicles, 1,107 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 44 bags of imported sugar, 317 jerry cans of PMS fuel, 120 sacks of illegally mined lithium ore, and hundreds of units of second-hand clothing and vehicle parts.
