By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded major successes in enforcement and revenue generation, with seizures valued at over ₦2.7 billion and a revenue performance that exceeded its 2025 target.
This was disclosed by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, during his maiden press briefing at the Command headquarters on Thursday 29, January 2026.
Deputy Comptroller Adewole explained that the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations and sustained patrols across key flashpoints within the Command’s area of responsibility.
“In the discharge of our statutory responsibilities, the Command recorded remarkable seizures of prohibited and uncustomed goods,” he said. “These were achieved through credible intelligence, diligent surveillance, and coordinated enforcement strategies deployed by our officers.”
He listed the seized items to include foreign parboiled rice, used tyres, premium motor spirit, used clothing, pharmaceutical products, foreign spaghetti, compressors, illicit drugs, smuggled vehicles and other prohibited items, warning that the Command would not relent in its anti-smuggling campaign.
“The activities of smugglers amount to economic sabotage and pose serious threats to public safety,” Adewole stated. “Let me clearly warn those involved that the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains fully prepared and determined to enforce compliance with Customs laws.”
On revenue generation, the Acting Controller revealed that the Command recorded ₦8.37 billion in December 2025 alone and surpassed its annual revenue target by over ₦13.1 billion, representing a 15.22 percent increase.
“This achievement is a product of improved compliance, effective monitoring mechanisms, professionalism among officers and sustained stakeholder engagement,” he noted. “We remain committed to facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring that government revenue is protected.”
Adewole also emphasised the importance of collaboration with sister security agencies, describing inter-agency cooperation as critical to effective border management.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and support, as well as the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Service.
“This maiden press briefing reflects our commitment to transparency and accountability,” he said. “We value the media as partners in progress and will continue to engage the public on our activities.”
The briefing marked Deputy Comptroller Adewole’s first official media engagement as Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain enforcement, boost revenue and support lawful trade.
