The Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command says the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the contraband goods seized by the command in 2023 stood at N454.24 million.

Its area controller, Ben Oramalugo, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the successes recorded by the command in 2023 and part of 2024.

Mr Oramalugo said N71.292 billion was generated as revenue in 2023.

He said the seized items were 88 sacks and 349 wraps of cannabis sativa, 4,039 kegs of petrol, 9,595 bags of 50kg foreign rice and 35 units of used vehicles.

Others are 177 bales and 13 sacks of second-hand clothing, 3,702 pieces of used tyres and 100 pieces of uncut timber.

He said the command’s commitment to combating smuggling activities remained unwavering. He would continue to intensify efforts at curbing illicit trade, safeguarding national security and protecting local industries from unfair competition.

“With the use of coordinated border management, intelligence-driven risk management and continuous enforcement operations, we conducted numerous successful patrol operations that led to the interception and seizure of many contraband goods.

“The milestone recorded by the command was made possible through timely sharing of credible intelligence and synergy between all units of Nigeria Customs Service resident with Oyo/Osun states and other security agencies,” he said.

Mr Oramalugo said the command was committed to building on the successes of 2023 and addressing the challenges encountered with renewed vigour.

He said the command would further strengthen collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, residents and other stakeholders in suppressing smuggling in the command.

The area controller further said the seizure made by the command between January 1 and 18, 2024, included 70 bags of 50kg of foreign rice, 3,325 litres of petrol, 100 prices of timber and one unit of a motor vehicle.

Mr Oramalugo said it was prohibited to export raw timber and that the command would continue to ensure smugglers of prohibited items don’t have their way.

He further called on smugglers and those dealing in drugs to shun the act for the future of the younger generation and the country at large.

Mr Oramalugo expressed his gratitude to the NCS comptroller general, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their continuous support to the command, which led to the realisation of the set objective and enhanced performance by the command. 

(NAN)