The Kwara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a massive breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations, seizing prohibited goods with a Total Duty-Paid Value (DPV) of N1,219,290,369.

The Acting Area Controller, Mr. Najeem Akanmu Ogunde, disclosed the details of the seizures on Tuesday during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Ilorin. He attributed the success to sustained patrols and targeted enforcement operations conducted in line with the Customs Act 2023.

The intercepted items include:

• Vehicles: A newly registered 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser VX, a 2025 Lexus model, and a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350.
• Petroleum Products: 6,509 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
• Food & Clothing: 450 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 389 bales of second-hand clothing, and 108 sacks of used bags.
• Others: 170 used tyres seized along the Lagos-Jebba Expressway.

Controller Ogunde emphasized that under his leadership, smuggling will not be tolerated. "Anyone involved in illegal trade will face the full weight of the law," he warned, noting that while detained vehicles might be released upon proof of lawful importation, seized clothing could be considered for donation to orphanages.

The briefing was attended by representatives from sister security agencies, including the Police, Nigeria Correctional Service, FRSC, and the Nigeria Immigration Service, highlighting a collaborative approach to border security. Ogunde commended his officers for their resilience and urged the public to continue providing credible intelligence to help protect the nation's economy.