The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has generated N7.98 billion revenue in the last three months while intercepting eight consignments of smuggled and prohibited goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N604.33 million.

The seizures included: 3,396 packets of Tramadol 100mg, 6,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), foreign rice, spaghetti, used clothings and two vehicles.

The Acting Area controller, state command, Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, disclosed this on Thursday at a press briefing, noting that the command had intensified intelligence-led operations across major marked routes in the state.

He said the command generated over N7.billion during the period under review, describing the revenue performance as part of efforts to maximise collections for the Federal Government while facilitating legitimate trade.

Among the major seizures was the interception of 6,705 cartons of foreign spaghetti along the Bode-Saadu axis, with a DPV of N201.15 million.

Ogundeyi said the command also seized a 2025 Toyota Highlander along the Bode-Saadu Expressway, valued at N214 million, while a 2018 Dodge Charger SXT, intercepted along the Lagos-Kwara Highway in Eyenkorin, was valued at N77.59 million.

The command further intercepted 3,396 packets of Tramadol 100mg along the Okuta axis, with a DPV of N50.946 million.

Other seizures included: “270 bags of foreign parboiled rice, weighing 50kg each, valued at N25.245 million, as well as 80 bales and six sacks of used clothing intercepted along the Ogbomoso-Jebba axis and valued at N32.3 million.”

He added that 6,875 litres of PMS, valued at N2.75 million, on Bukuro/Okuta/Chikanda axis, and 14 bags of Basmati rice, weighing 5kg each, intercepted along the Bode-Saadu Expressway and valued at N350,000 were also confiscated.

Ogundeyi said the interception of food products should not be interpreted as opposition to food availability, explaining that the service was enforcing laws governing cross-border trade.

According to the customs boss: “the illegal movement of foreign food products through unapproved routes undermines government efforts to promote local agricultural production and protect domestic investments.”

Describing Tramadol seizure as a major public health and security concern, he stressed that “the uncontrolled movement of controlled substances across the nation’s borders could expose communities to serious risks.”

The controller also said the interception of PMS was aimed at preventing the diversion of petroleum products meant for domestic consumption into illegal border markets.

He attributed the command’s enforcement successes to actionable intelligence, sustained patrols and collaboration with sister security agencies.

He commended officers and men of the command for their dedication and called on border communities, traditional leaders and transporters to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tackling smuggling.

The controller assured legitimate traders of the command’s support, but warned that the service would continue to adopt uncompromising measures against smuggling and other activities capable of undermining national revenue, security and local production.