MAJAN Pledges Support as Idiroko Customs Intensifies Anti-Smuggling Drive
The Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) has pledged continued media support for the Ogun I Idiroko Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as the Command steps up enforcement against smuggling and other trans-border crimes.
The pledge was made during a courtesy visit by MAJAN executives to the Command on Tuesday, 3 February 2025. The delegation was received by the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni.
Speaking during the visit, MAJAN President, Mr. Jerry Aguigbo, said the association was at the Command to congratulate the CAC on his posting and to reaffirm a cordial working relationship with the Service. He described MAJAN as a professional body committed to objective reporting of maritime and border-related activities, noting that the association has maintained strong ties with previous leaderships of the Idiroko Command.
“We have always been on the positive side of this Command and will continue to help project its image. We are aware of the challenges here and have noted the recent seizures recorded by the Command. We want to be part of that success story,” Aguigbo said.
In his response, Deputy Comptroller Afeni described the Idiroko Command as a predominantly enforcement zone, with a mandate to deter smugglers and suppress illegal cross-border activities. He disclosed that officers of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) were attacked earlier in the day along one of the axes in the area, describing the incident as evidence that smugglers are feeling the pressure of intensified enforcement.
“You don’t get attacked if officers are not doing their job. The pressure is getting to them, and that is why they are reacting,” he stated.
The CAC appealed to journalists to support the Command by enlightening the public on the dangers of smuggling, stressing that government restrictions on certain imports are designed to protect local industries and strengthen the economy.
“We have the land and resources to produce and export. Smuggling only weakens the economy. We need the media to help drive this message,” he said, assuring MAJAN of continuous cooperation and an open-door policy.
During an interactive session, journalists raised concerns about frequent attacks on customs officers and sought clarification on how enforcement aligns with Customs management’s emphasis on community peace and collaboration. Afeni explained that while dialogue remains important, effective enforcement sometimes requires the lawful use of force.
“You can’t beg a smuggler to surrender contraband. We are guided by rules of engagement, and we are also engaging opinion leaders and traditional rulers to caution their subjects against attacking officers,” he said.
Journalists also urged the Command to deepen engagement with host communities through vocational training and empowerment initiatives to address youth involvement in smuggling. Afeni acknowledged the concerns, noting that the Command already runs Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes in schools and communities, with plans to expand vocational and skill-acquisition initiatives.
He added that security challenges in the area are worsened by its trans-border nature, limited security presence and difficult terrain, which often allows criminals to flee across the border after attacks.
“Idiroko is a unique terrain. Sometimes when you clamp down here, criminals move to the other side. That is why this is a trans-border issue,” he said, recalling a former Comptroller’s description of the Command as “one day, one trouble.”
On inter-agency and cross-border cooperation, the CAC disclosed that regular joint security meetings are held with sister agencies and authorities in the Benin Republic, as investigations into recent attacks continue.
“This is not just a Nigerian problem. Smuggling has become a business for some people here, but we are applying both dialogue and enforcement — the carrot and the stick,” Afeni added.
The visit ended with both parties agreeing to explore areas of partnership focused on public enlightenment, community engagement and the promotion of lawful trade along the Idiroko border corridor.
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