By correspondent in ILorin.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has escalated its fight against smuggling in Kwara State, deploying advanced surveillance technology to track down and dismantle criminal networks operating at the nation’s borders in a high-stake operations
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, made it clear that smuggling would no longer be tolerated, describing it as a direct assault on Nigeria’s economic integrity.
Speaking during a visit to the NCS Area Command in Ilorin, kwara state,Adeniyi emphasized that the nation’s borders would be strictly monitored to prevent the flow of illicit goods.
“Our borders will no longer be a free-for-all for smugglers. This is not just a crime—it’s economic sabotage. We will go after anyone involved in this illegal trade with full force,”Adeniyi declared.
He expressed delight that the crackdown has witnessed success, noting that during a recent operation, Customs officers seized a massive 53,000 liters of petrol, valued at ₦53 million, from a smuggling ring operating in Kwara North.
One suspect, identified as Nafiu Salami, was arrested after attempting to transport 162 jerry cans of stolen petroleum.
According to Adeniyi, the surge in fuel smuggling is driven by stark price differences between Nigeria and its neighboring countries, such as Benin Republic and Cameroon, turning illegal trade into a lucrative business for criminals.
“We are putting all resources into stopping this. Smugglers are stealing from the nation, and we will not let them off lightly,” he warned, promising that offenders would face severe legal consequences.
The Comptroller of Customs,the Kwara Area Command, Faith Ojeifo, echoed Adeniyi urged border communities to actively support Customs in the battle against illegal trade.
She warned that smuggling threatens the country’s development and called for a collective effort to rid Kwara of criminal syndicates.
“Smuggling is a cancer on national progress. We need every citizen’s help to wipe it out,” Ojeifo said, urging locals to provide critical intelligence.
Our correspondent gathered that as Customs ramps up its crackdown, criminals engaged in smuggling are being put on notice, signaling that the full weight of the law is coming down.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
