The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted three pump-action rifles and arrested three suspects in a major anti-smuggling operation that also led to the seizure of contraband goods valued at over ₦3.22bn.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Adewole, disclosed this during a press briefing in Ibadan on Thursday.
Adewole described the recovery of the firearms as one of the Command’s most significant operational breakthroughs within the period under review.
According to him, the operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects who are currently being investigated as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle the network behind the attempted smuggling of the weapons.
“The Command is working closely with the Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit and the Legal Unit to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attempted smuggling of the firearms and ensure that all persons connected with the unlawful act are brought to justice,” Adewole said.
The Customs boss revealed that the Command also intercepted a wide range of prohibited and restricted items across its area of responsibility.
The seized items include 1,537 bags of foreign parboiled rice, used clothing, used tyres, pharmaceuticals, cannabis sativa, tramadol, premium motor spirit, and several vehicles used in smuggling activities.
He said the cumulative Duty Paid Value of the seizures stood at more than ₦3.22bn.
Adewole further disclosed that in a separate intelligence-driven operation carried out in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps in Ibadan, the Command apprehended a suspected recruitment fraudster accused of obtaining money from unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of securing employment into the Nigeria Customs Service.
He warned Nigerians against patronising individuals who claim to offer employment opportunities in the Service in exchange for money.
“Recruitment into the NCS is transparent, merit-based and conducted strictly through officially approved channels. Members of the public should disregard individuals who claim to offer employment opportunities in exchange for money,” he stated.
On revenue generation, Adewole said the Command realised ₦28.5bn between March and May 2026, representing an eight per cent increase compared to the ₦26.23bn generated during the corresponding period in 2025.
