Again, Adelaja led Oyo/Osun Customs Posts ₦468M worth of Seizure Achievement in 17 Days 

Again, Adelaja led Oyo/Osun Customs Posts ₦468M worth of Seizure Achievement in 17 Days                  

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has continued to dazzle smugglers and economic saboteurs operation within the axis by impounding several offensive seizures, some of which undermines the corporate existence of the nation.          

Since the advent of the present Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja, the command have been consistent in showcasing spectacular seizures worth several hundreds of millions naira, among which include items that are inimical to the nation’s security.           

The command’s most recent press briefing to showcase its performance record within the last 17 days prior to Monday 17th if March, the date of the briefing which comes after the maiden press briefing held in February, as the CAC disclosed that the Command has once again recorded significant seizure of Foreign parboiled rice, Cannabis Sativa, Used Tyres, Used Clothes, Used Shoes and Used Compressors all having a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Four Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Two Naira Only ₦468,706,602.00.                           

The CAC also noted that the achievement was made possible through effective intelligence sharing by the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Customs Police Unit, and the unwavering support of relevant stakeholders who collaborated with the Command to accomplish yet another milestone.              

Notable among the seizures according to the statement include Foreign Parboiled Rice that were concealed in three heavy-duty trucks, that were as well impounded as means of conveyance used to smuggle prohibited items.                                        

 This achievement of the command under the watch of the vibrant CAC is coming on the heel of the last achievement record which was showcased at the maiden edition of Comptroller Adelaja’s 22 days Stewardship of significant engagement milestone by operatives of the command under his watch both in the area of revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities.

It was recalled that the sum of ₦2,048,487,969.00k (Two billion, forty-eight million, four hundred and eighty-seven thousand, nine hundred and sixty-nine naira only) was generated as revenue for the period of 1st February – 27th February 2025, while a worth sum of ₦165,387,000.00k (One hundred and sixty-five million, three hundred and eighty-seven thousand naira only) was recorded for the anti-smuggling activities during this same period.      

Following the milestones recorded within his first 22 days in office, Comptroller Adelaja said for the Oyo/Osun Area Command to stay the course, it had remained committed to the Nigeria Customs Service mandate of revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade and the suppression of smuggling.      

The CAC said the Command has continued to intensify its efforts in the area of anti-smuggling by ensuring the compliance with Customs regulations and safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.               

“These illegal activities do not only undermine the nation’s economic development but also pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens*, the CAC said.              

He however sounded a note of warning to smugglers who persist in engaging in illegal activities that are detrimental to the economic growth of the nation, noting that, Oyo/Osun Area Command will leave no stone unturned to enforce necessary compliance of Customs laws.

He also assured the general public that the officers and men of the Command remained resolute in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade, as they would not relent on their efforts to curb unlawful acts from any quarters.         

Similarly, he called on relevant stakeholders and patriotic citizens to continue extending their maximum support and cooperation in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities, as he noted that their unwavering support is invaluable and will greatly enhance their ability to effectively discharge the duties of safeguarding the nation’s economy.              

On a final note in his press statement, the CAC was full of  appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR fnipr psc+ and his Management Team for the unwavering support extended to the Officers and Men of the Command in ensuring the efficient discharge of our duties, and also to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Abiodun Makinde fse, for his unwavering dedication and the pivotal role he played in ensuring that the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command operate in an enabling environment to effectively discharge our primary duties.

For continuous support and cooperation, which remain invaluable to the success of the command’s operations, the CAC also extended sincere appreciation to the traditional rulers, the unwavering commitment and collaboration of sister security agencies within the state, as well as the resilience, dedication and commitment of officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, to suppressing smuggling and ensuring compliance with Customs extant laws.

“Your efforts are duly recognized and appreciated. I urge you all to remain steadfast and intensify your commitment to the discharge of your statutory duties”, he said.