(The Suspects. Photo Credit: Vanguard News)
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested three suspects in connection with an attempted smuggling operation involving three pump-action rifles, alongside a fourth suspect detained over alleged recruitment fraud and impersonation.
Acting Controller Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole disclosed the arrests at a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan, noting that the firearms-related suspects are currently under investigation, with the Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit, and Legal Unit working together to uncover the full scope of the smuggling attempt.
Separately, another suspect was apprehended through intelligence sharing with the Amotekun Corps over allegations of running a fake recruitment scheme, falsely claiming the ability to facilitate employment into the Nigeria Customs Service in exchange for payment.
Adewole warned that no individual can secure a position in the service through unofficial channels, urging members of the public to disregard such fraudulent offers and rely strictly on official recruitment processes, which he described as transparent and merit-based.
On broader enforcement efforts, Adewole revealed that the Command intercepted contraband valued at a cumulative Duty Paid Value of N3.22 billion between March and May 2026.
The seizures included foreign parboiled rice, used clothing and footwear, tyres, pharmaceuticals, cannabis, tramadol, petrol, and several vehicles used in smuggling operations, along with used compressors, sugar, pasta products, and other illicit items.
He further disclosed that the Command generated N28.5 billion in revenue during the same period, marking an 8 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
Adewole credited the improved performance to intelligence-driven operations under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, while commending officers of the Command for their professionalism and reaffirming the service’s commitment to combating smuggling and protecting national security.