Customs arrests three over smuggled rifles, seizes N3.22bn contraband in Oyo/Osun
By Adeola Badru
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, while another suspect was detained over alleged recruitment fraud and public impersonation.
The Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan.
He said the suspects linked to the firearms case are currently under investigation, adding that the Command is working with the Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit and Legal Unit to unravel those behind the attempted smuggling.
“In connection with the seizure of the three pump-action rifles, three suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing investigation,” Adewole said.
He also revealed that another suspect was arrested through intelligence sharing with the Amotekun Corps over alleged impersonation and a fake recruitment scheme targeting unsuspecting members of the public.
According to him, the suspect falsely claimed to facilitate recruitment into the Nigeria Customs Service in exchange for money.
“The suspect is currently in custody. It is important to note that no individual can secure employment into the Nigeria Customs Service through unofficial means,” he warned.
Adewole advised the public to disregard fraudsters promising jobs in the Service, stressing that recruitment is transparent, merit-based and conducted strictly through official channels.
The Customs boss also announced that the Command intercepted contraband with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.22 billion between March and May 2026.
The seizures include foreign parboiled rice, used clothing, shoes, tyres, pharmaceuticals, cannabis sativa, tramadol, PMS, and several vehicles used in smuggling operations.
He listed other intercepted items as used compressors, sugar, pasta products, illicit drugs and multiple vehicles including buses, saloon cars and trucks.
Adewole said the Command also generated N28.5 billion in revenue within the same period, representing an 8 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
“The cumulative Duty Paid Value of these seizures stands at N3,221,843,672,” he said, adding that the interceptions helped safeguard the economy and disrupt criminal networks.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership, noting that improved intelligence-driven operations had strengthened enforcement across commands.
Adewole also praised officers of the Command for their professionalism, while assuring that efforts to curb smuggling and protect national security would be sustained.
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