THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, under Acting Area Controller DC Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, on Wednesday unveiled 1,907 seized items.
The seizures included 222 compressors reportedly used for manufacturing explosives, 1,107 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 14 vehicles, and 317 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Other intercepted goods included 120 sacks of illegally mined lithium ore, used clothing, tires, and imported sugar, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N478,171,315.
Speaking during a guided tour of the seized goods, DC Ogundeyi highlighted the severe security implications of the compressors.
“Do you know what these compressors are used for? All the security personnel here know their purpose. They are used for the production of explosives, and that is why we intercepted them,” he said, underscoring the critical threat posed by such smuggling activities.
The event was attended by representatives of various sister security agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Fire Service, and the NDLEA.
DC Ogundeyi emphasized that the federal government’s ban on imported parboiled rice aims to boost local production, ensure food security, and create employment opportunities.
“Despite repeated warnings, some criminal elements continue to undermine government policies. Our operations show that intelligence-led enforcement and strategic patrols can stop these illegal activities,” he added.
The Controller also praised the collaboration with sister agencies, describing the partnership as vital to tackling complex cross-border crimes.
“Coordinated intelligence gathering and information sharing ensure that our enforcement actions yield results for national economic security,” he noted.
