Kwara Customs Command Seizes Items Valued Over N478 Million, Including Explosive-Making Compressors

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kwara Area Command, under the leadership of Acting Area Controller DC Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, has announced the interception of 1,907 seized items. The significant seizure, revealed on Wednesday, includes 222 compressors suspected to be utilized in the production of explosives.

Alongside the compressors, the command also confiscated 1,107 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 14 vehicles, and 317 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Other items brought to light during the announcement were 120 sacks of illegally mined lithium ore, used clothing, tires, and imported sugar. The total value of the seized goods, calculated by Duty Paid Value (DPV), amounts to N478,171,315.

During a press briefing showcasing the intercepted items, DC Ogundeyi emphasized the grave security implications associated with the compressors. He stated, "Do you know what these compressors are used for? All the security personnel here know their purpose. They are used for the production of explosives, and that is why we intercepted them," highlighting the serious threat posed by the smuggling of such materials.

The event saw the attendance of representatives from various security agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Fire Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), underscoring a collaborative effort in national security.

DC Ogundeyi reiterated the federal government's objective behind the ban on imported parboiled rice, which is to foster local agricultural development, bolster food security, and stimulate job creation within the country. He remarked, "Despite repeated warnings, some criminal elements continue to undermine government policies. Our operations show that intelligence-led enforcement and strategic patrols can stop these illegal activities."

He further commended the synergy and cooperation among different security agencies, describing the partnership as indispensable for combating intricate cross-border criminal activities. "Coordinated intelligence gathering and information sharing ensure that our enforcement actions yield results for national economic security," Ogundeyi concluded.