The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has vowed to tighten its grip on smuggling activities in Kwara State, deploying advanced technology to monitor and curb illegal trade at the nation’s borders.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, gave the assurance during his visit to the NCS Area Command in Ilorin, where he warned that smuggling posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability.

“We cannot allow smugglers to sabotage the nation’s economy. All land borders will be effectively manned to ensure compliance with trade regulations,” Adeniyi stated.

Recent operations, he revealed, led to the interception of 53,000 liters of petrol, worth ₦53 million, in the Kwara North axis. A suspect, Nafiu Salami, was arrested while attempting to smuggle 162 jerry cans of petroleum.

Adeniyi linked the rise in fuel smuggling to price differences between Nigeria and neighboring countries such as Benin Republic and Cameroon. He vowed that the agency would intensify its clampdown, warning offenders of severe consequences.

“We will not tolerate this economic sabotage. Anyone caught will face the full weight of the law,” he stressed.

The Comptroller of the NCS Kwara Area Command, Faith Ojeifo, also reaffirmed the agency’s determination to rid the state of smuggling. He called on border communities to support Customs with intelligence, emphasizing that the fight against illegal trade required public cooperation.

“Smuggling is a threat to national development. We need the cooperation of the people to succeed in this fight,” Ojeifo added.