By: Odeh Favour Adiya
Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major operational breakthrough following the interception of three pump-action rifles and the subsequent arrest of three suspects linked to the firearms smuggling ring.
The Nigeria Customs Service made this known via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, revealing details of the anti-smuggling onslaught and the command’s revenue performance during a press briefing in Ibadan.
Speaking on the development, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Adewole, described the recovery of the firearms as one of the most significant breakthroughs recorded by the command during the period under review.
He noted that the three arrested suspects are currently undergoing intense investigation to completely dismantle the smuggling network.
“The Command is working closely with the Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit and the Legal Unit to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attempted smuggling of the firearms and ensure that all persons connected with the unlawful act are brought to justice,” Adewole stated.
Beyond the firearms, the command’s aggressive anti-smuggling operations led to the seizure of a wide array of prohibited and restricted goods with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦3.22 billion. Among the confiscated contraband items were 1,537 bags of foreign parboiled rice, used clothing, used tyres, illicit pharmaceuticals, cannabis sativa, tramadol, premium motor spirit (PMS), and several vehicles used to facilitate smuggling activities.
In a related development, an intelligence-driven joint operation between the Customs Command and the Amotekun Corps in Ibadan led to the apprehension of a suspected recruitment fraudster. The suspect was alleged to have been swindling unsuspecting members of the public by promising them non-existent jobs within the NCS in exchange for cash.
Reacting to the arrest, the Customs boss cautioned job seekers against falling prey to such fraudulent syndicates, emphasizing that employment into the agency cannot be bought.
“Recruitment into the NCS is transparent, merit-based and conducted strictly through officially approved channels. Members of the public should disregard individuals who claim to offer employment opportunities in exchange for money,” he warned.
Meanwhile, it was a season of double celebration for the command as its revenue generation witnessed a massive boost. Turning to the financial scorecard, the Acting Area Controller disclosed that the command generated a whopping ₦28,503,333,802.75 between March and May 2026.
This impressive figure represents an 8% increase when compared to the ₦26,233,796,496.57 collected during the corresponding period in 2025.
