The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja said it intercepted about seven trucks carrying over 2,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice in a single operation.

This came as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced that through intelligence-led operations, the service intercepted several arms shipments, including 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition in Onne Seaport.

Addressing journalists at the Ikeja command, the Customs Area Comptroller in charge of the unit, Kola Oladeji, said the contrabands were intercepted along Ogun Waterside and different parts of the entire South-West region.

He stressed that the interceptions were carried out through intelligence gathering and surveillance on border areas adding that the unit is not relenting in safeguarding the borders.

Oladeji explained that the unit got an intelligence that some unscrupulous elements were trying to smuggle in some foreign parboiled rice through the border axis including, “our water territories and we were able to intercept them.”

“We allowed them to offload their goods, having brought it in from the river area. We don’t know the exact quantity of the seizure but we know that it is over 2,000 bags,” he added.

The customs official stressed that the reason was that the officers were yet to conduct a physical counting on the contrabands to know the quantity.

“After the physical counting, we will let you know the details. We were not able to arrest anybody because when they sighted us, they disappeared as usual,” Oladeji said.

Oladeji explained that the contrabands were brought in through the riverside and packed beside them before the officers evacuated them.

“We believe they are waiting for vehicles to come before they take it. The location was Ogun Waterside including some creeks and waterside including Ipokia side,” he mentioned.

He pointed out that the smugglers felt the officers were on holiday which was why they carried out the act.

N5.1tn revenue

The Customs CGC, Adeniyi, stated that, through technology, the “NCS generated a record-breaking N5.1tn in revenue” in 2024.

Speaking at the 18th Africa Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar, the CGC shared a comprehensive account of the service’s achievements in balancing security enforcement with trade facilitation.

In his keynote address titled “Protecting National Security Through Effective Border Control: The Nigeria Customs Example,” according to the NCS spokesman, Mr Abdullahi Maiwada, on Monday, Adeniyi emphasised the vital role of border management in national security, describing borders as more than just geographical boundaries.

He said borders are critical gateways that determine a nation’s capacity to protect its citizens, safeguard its economy, and foster security.

He also highlighted how the NCS, empowered by the Nigeria Customs Act 2023, has successfully redefined its operational priorities to address emerging threats, enhance efficiency, and improve collaboration.

Adeniyi noted that the Nigeria Customs Act 2023 represents a legislative milestone that has repositioned the NCS to thrive in a dynamic environment.

He said, “Under my leadership, the NCS generated a record-breaking ₦5.1tn in revenue, a feat that underscores the agency’s innovative use of technology and improved compliance frameworks.

“We have equally strengthened partnerships with both domestic and international stakeholders. And this achievement was not merely about numbers but also reflected the efficiency and resilience of the Customs workforce,” he said.

Adeniyi, however, described how, through intelligence-led operations, the NCS intercepted several arms shipments, including 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition in Onne Seaport.

“These efforts have significantly disrupted the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which remain a persistent threat to national security. Additionally, the NCS’s collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency led to so many interceptions of illicit drugs.” Adeniyi said.

He also brought attention to the Service’s role in combating wildlife trafficking, detailing how officers intercepted 4,200kg of pangolin scales and ivory, underscoring the NCS’s dedication to biodiversity conservation and international compliance.

In the area of fighting against economic saboteurs who venture into smuggling and diversion of petroleum products, Adeniyi discussed the impact of Operation Whirlwind and highlighted how the Service, in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, intercepted over 695,000 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit.

Adeniyi revealed that the use of geospatial technologies, such as satellite feeds and geo-mapping, has enhanced the Service’s surveillance and enforcement capabilities, ensuring that these operations are not only effective but sustainable.