Customs hands over seized arms to NCCSALW

..Reports N2.7bn Anti-Smuggling Haul

By Adeola Badru

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, has handed over seized ammunition, cartridges, and other prohibited weapons to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

The command also reported generating over N2.7 billion from anti-smuggling operations within a month.

The handover took place at the command’s headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Presenting the seized items, Acting Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Deputy Controller of Customs Mr. Wale Moses Adewole, said the weapons were intercepted from individuals attempting to smuggle them into Oyo State. He explained that the handover aligns with established procedures and inter-agency collaboration.

“The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to ensuring that all seized prohibited items are handed over to the appropriate authorities in accordance with laid-down rules,” Adewole said, condemning smuggling as a serious threat to national security and economic stability.

The command recorded significant seizures across various flashpoints in its area of responsibility through intelligence, sustained patrols, and strategic enforcement operations. Adewole disclosed that the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures amounted to N2,701,762,558, representing a more than 15% increase compared with the same period last year.

“This reflects improved compliance, effective monitoring, and the commitment of our officers to lawful trade facilitation,” he said, noting that the command had surpassed its 2025 revenue target.

The seized items included foreign parboiled rice, used tyres, premium motor spirit, used clothes, cannabis sativa (Indian hemp), codeine syrup, tramadol, used shoes, foreign spaghetti, used compressors, pharmaceuticals, and vehicles such as Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Jeep, Chevrolet EQ, Mercedes GLE, as well as means of conveyance including a Volvo truck and a Volkswagen bus.

Adewole warned smugglers and other illegal actors to desist from unlawful activities, emphasizing that the command would continue enforcing its statutory duties.

Receiving the weapons on behalf of NCCSALW, South-West Zonal Commander Mr. Wey Olabisi commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its cooperation, stressing that such collaboration is crucial to curbing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons nationwide.

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