Customs Intercepts 222 Explosive-Making Compressors, Other Contraband Worth N478m in Kwara

Customs Intercepts 222 Explosive-Making Compressors, Other Contraband Worth N478m in Kwara

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 222 compressors suspected to be used in the production of explosives along with several other smuggled items in Kwara State.

Officials of the Kwara Area Command displayed the seized items on Wednesday during a briefing led by the Acting Area Controller, DC Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi.

In total, the command unveiled 1,907 confiscated items, including 1,107 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 14 vehicles and 317 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Other goods recovered during the operations included 120 sacks of illegally mined lithium ore, used clothing, tyres and imported sugar. Customs authorities estimated the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures at N478,171,315.

Speaking during a guided tour of the confiscated items, Ogundeyi raised concerns over the potential security implications of the compressors.

“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,” he said.

He stressed that smuggling such equipment into the country posed serious security risks and required decisive enforcement action.

Representatives of several security agencies attended the event, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Fire Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Ogundeyi noted that the continued smuggling of foreign rice into the country was in violation of federal government policies aimed at encouraging domestic production.

According to him, the restriction on imported parboiled rice is intended to strengthen local agriculture, improve food security and generate employment.

“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 said.

The acting controller also commended the cooperation among security agencies, describing it as crucial in tackling cross-border crimes and other illicit activities.

“Coordinated intelligence gathering and information sharing ensure that our enforcement actions yield results for national economic security,” he added.