The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said the reforms initiated and been executed by President BolaTinubu’s administration were responsible for the successes it is recording in its operations, especially since 2023.

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, stated this while disclosing the successes recorded by the agency in Quarter 2 of 2025, saying the sum of N2.3trillion was generated during the period and  attributed the remarkable growth to transformative reforms under the  Renewed Hope Agenda.

Adeniyi highlighted that the revenue surge emanated from improved technological deployment, enhanced port operations, tightened enforcement on revenue leakages, and a renewed culture of accountability across Customs commands.

“We collected N1.3 trillion in Q1 2025 alone. This is not due to higher import volumes. Imports have dropped due to foreign exchange constraints. What has changed is efficiency, transparency and enforcement,” the Comptroller-General said.

He disclosed that the Service is preparing to launch the E-Customs Modernisation Project, saying the $3.2 billion initiative will digitise cargo processing, surveillance and payment systems across Nigeria’s ports and borders.

“We’re laying the foundation to move from a manual, paper-based system to a fully digital service. The E-Customs Project is central to our future. Once fully deployed, we project it will add $250 billion in cumulative revenue over 20 years,” he said.

Adeniyi added that the newly launched Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme is now onboarding pre-vetted importers, allowing compliant businesses faster processing and reducing port congestion.

“It’s about trust and efficiency. If you’re compliant, you get green-lane treatment. This is how modern customs systems work globally,” he said

The Customs CG confirmed that the Service has intensified its anti-smuggling operations and closed long-standing revenue leakages.

He said over N64 billion was recovered from previously under-assessed or undervalued imports in the last nine months, and major smuggling rings at the Seme, Idiroko, Katsina, and Sokoto borders have been dismantled.

He said the new joint border patrol task forces established in coordination with the Nigerian Army, DSS, and Police have also yielded positive results.

“We’re no longer just chasing smugglers in the bush. We’re using data, surveillance drones and port intelligence to act in real-time. Once systemic leakages are now being plugged,” ” Adeniyi said.

A man, his wife and two children have been killed in one attack in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The victims, identified as Ifeanyi Okeke and his family members, were shot dead in their home in the shocking incident.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen invaded the Okeke’s residence, shooting and killing Ifeanyi, his wife, and two of their children.

The motive behind the attack is yet to be ascertained, leaving many questions unanswered and sparking widespread fear and anxiety in the community.

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings.

“We are investigating the incident and working to apprehend the perpetrators,” said the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for increased security measures to protect lives and property in the state.

“This is a heinous crime, and we must work together to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” a community leader noted.

The community is in shock and mourning, with many residents paying tribute to the victims and expressing sympathy for their loved ones.

“We are shocked and saddened by this incident. We demand increased security measures to protect our lives and property,” said another resident.

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the state, declaring that it is not paying lip service to the security of its people.

Addressing the media in Lokoja on Friday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the administration of Governor Ahmed Ododo has taken concrete steps to deal decisively with insecurity, stressing that the state is not under siege and will not be.

Fanwo acknowledged security concerns in parts of Yagba land, particularly in Yagba West, but assured citizens that the situation is being carefully and silently managed to avoid escalation.

“We are managing the fine line between urgency and the need to tread softly in order not to compound the situation. Government is on top of the matter, and our interventions are guided, targeted, and strategic,” he said.

Fanwo also addressed concerns over alleged threats to some churches in Yagba East, noting that Governor Ododo has ordered thorough investigations to verify the claims.

“Security has not broken down in any part of Kogi and will not break down. We have reached an advanced stage of collaboration with national security structures to neutralise every threat to peace and stability in our state,” he emphasised.

The Commissioner commended local security structures such as the Okun hunters and other grassroots security outfits for their vital role in maintaining peace and order.

“These community-based efforts are critical to our overall strategy, and His Excellency has given the State Security Adviser a marching order to deepen community push-back mechanisms against insecurity,” Fanwo revealed.

He explained that government intelligence has pinpointed the location of certain criminal elements, but cautioned that operational plans are being meticulously executed to avoid collateral damage.

“These criminals are hiding behind innocent Nigerians, many of whom have been kidnapped from Kogi and other states. Our mission is to secure our people without endangering the lives of innocent victims,” he said.