Customs arrests three for smuggling rifles, seizes N3.22 billion worth of contraband in Oyo and Osun.

By Adeola Badru

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has detained three individuals linked to an attempt to smuggle three pump‑action rifles. A fourth suspect was also arrested on charges of recruitment fraud and public impersonation.

Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, Acting Controller of the Command, announced the arrests during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan on Thursday.

“The suspects involved in the firearms case are currently under investigation,” Adewole said. “The Command is collaborating with the Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit and Legal Unit to identify those behind the attempted smuggling.”

He added that the fourth suspect was apprehended following intelligence sharing with the Amotekun Corps. The individual had allegedly posed as a recruitment officer for the NCS, soliciting money from unsuspecting members of the public in a fake recruitment scheme.

“The suspect is now in custody. No one can secure employment with the Nigeria Customs Service through unofficial means,” Adewole warned. He urged the public to ignore fraudsters who promise jobs in the Service, emphasizing that recruitment is transparent, merit‑based and conducted only through official channels.

During the briefing, Adewole also revealed that the Command intercepted contraband with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.22 billion between March and May 2026. The seized items included foreign parboiled rice, used clothing, shoes, tyres, pharmaceuticals, cannabis sativa, tramadol, PMS, and several vehicles used in smuggling operations. Other items seized were used compressors, sugar, pasta products, illicit drugs and multiple vehicles such as buses, saloon cars and trucks.

The Command generated N28.5 billion in revenue during the same period, an 8 percent increase over the corresponding period in 2025. “The cumulative Duty Paid Value of these seizures stands at N3,221,843,672,” Adewole said, noting that the interceptions helped protect the economy and disrupt criminal networks.

He praised Comptroller‑General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi for his leadership, citing improved intelligence‑driven operations that have strengthened enforcement across commands. Adewole also commended the professionalism of his officers and assured that efforts to curb smuggling and safeguard national security would continue.

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