Customs Seizes Tramadol, Foreign Spaghetti, Rice, Vehicles Worth ₦604.3m in Kwara

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara Area Command, has intercepted eight consignments with a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦604.33 million across different locations in the state.

The Customs Area Controller, Kwara Area Command, said the seizures were made as part of ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing smuggling, protecting government revenue and safeguarding national security.

The seizures include 3,396 packets of Tramadol 100mg, 6,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), foreign rice and spaghetti, used clothing and two vehicles.

According to the Command, the seized items comprise:

80 bales and six sacks of used clothing intercepted along the Ogbomoso/Jebba axis, valued at ₦32.3 million.

6,875 litres of PMS intercepted along the Bukuro/Okuta/Chikanda axis, valued at ₦2.75 million.

3,396 packets of Tramadol 100mg intercepted along the Okuta axis, valued at ₦50.946 million.

14 bags of Basmati rice, weighing 5kg each, intercepted along the Bode-Saadu Expressway, valued at ₦350,000.

6,705 cartons of foreign spaghetti intercepted along the Bode-Saadu axis, valued at ₦201.15 million.

270 bags of foreign parboiled rice, weighing 50kg each, intercepted at various locations, valued at ₦25.245 million.

A 2025 Toyota Highlander intercepted along the Bode-Saadu Expressway, valued at ₦214 million.

A 2018 Dodge Charger SXT intercepted along the Lagos/Kwara Highway at Eyankorin, valued at ₦77.59 million.

The Command said the seizures underscore the changing tactics of smugglers, ranging from the movement of petroleum products and foreign food items to the illegal transportation of controlled pharmaceutical substances and vehicles.

Customs: Food Seizures Are Not Against Food Availability

The Area Controller clarified that the interception of foreign food products should not be viewed as an attempt by Customs to prevent Nigerians from accessing food.

He explained that the Service's responsibility is to enforce laws governing international trade and intervene where goods are brought into the country through unapproved routes, without proper documentation or without complying with regulatory requirements.

He added that the illegal influx of foreign food products could undermine government efforts to promote local agriculture, protect domestic investment and strengthen the country's local value chain.

₦7.97bn Revenue Generated

Beyond its enforcement activities, the Kwara Area Command said it generated ₦7,978,338,031.21 in revenue for the Federal Government during the period under review.

The Command described the figure as evidence of its commitment to revenue generation while maintaining its responsibilities in trade facilitation and national security.

The Area Controller credited the Command's Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit and other officers for the seizures, while also commending sister security agencies for their cooperation in tackling cross-border crimes.

He further acknowledged the strategic support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

Customs Appeals for Public Support

The Command called on border communities, traditional rulers, transporters and members of the public to support its operations by providing credible and timely information on suspected smuggling activities.

It also urged the media to continue educating the public on the difference between legitimate international trade and smuggling.

The Customs Area Controller maintained that while legitimate businesses would continue to receive the Service's support, smuggling activities would be met with firm enforcement.