Ogun Area 1 Customs Seizes ₦6.7bn Contraband in Five Weeks

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, has intercepted contraband goods worth over ₦6.777 billion within the last five weeks as part of intensified efforts to combat smuggling and economic sabotage.

Among the seized items were 1,759 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 10,126 parcels of Cannabis Indica of various sizes weighing approximately 4,627 kilograms and valued at over ₦5 billion, 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and several bales of second-hand clothing.

The Customs Area Controller, D.C.O.O. Afeni, disclosed this on Tuesday in Idiroko while presenting an update on the Command’s anti-smuggling operations across its Area of Responsibility (AoR).

Afeni stated that the Command remains resolute in protecting the nation’s economy and securing the borders against criminal activities.

“We are once again presenting a report on our sustained crackdown on economic saboteurs operating within our Area of Responsibility,” he said.

“The Ogun I Area Command under my leadership remains committed to safeguarding the borders, strengthening the economy, and dismantling smuggling syndicates.”

He recalled that on March 16, the Command handed over 2,543 parcels of Cannabis Sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Special Command in Idiroko, adding that officers further intensified operations after the major seizure.

“Rather than retreat after that milestone seizure, we reviewed our strategies and strengthened our operational tactics,” Afeni noted.

Additional seizures recorded by the Command included 2,685 kegs of vegetable oil, 77 cartons of unregistered Analgin injections, 66 bales of second-hand clothing, 858 packs of macaroni, expired food products, used vehicles, and six live pangolins, which have already been handed over to the relevant agency.

Afeni warned that the increasing circulation of illicit drugs poses serious risks to public safety and national security.

“Cannabis Sativa/Indica, commonly known as Indian hemp or marijuana, is a psychoactive substance with devastating effects, especially on young people,” he said.

“The growing abuse of these substances remains a serious concern due to their connection to crimes such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal acts.”

The Acting Controller disclosed that the Command had intercepted a total of 26,002 parcels of cannabis since January.

“This is more than just a seizure; it is a proactive step to prevent the devastating consequences of drug abuse and related crimes,” he added.

Speaking on rice smuggling, Afeni explained that the Federal Government’s restriction on rice importation through land borders was designed to support local production and encourage self-sufficiency.

“Rice remains a staple food in Nigeria, and the restriction on land border importation is aimed at boosting domestic production and reducing dependence on imports,” he explained.

On vegetable oil smuggling, he revealed that officers intercepted a DAF truck carrying 2,185 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil along the Sagamu Interchange/Ogere axis on May 5 following intelligence-led operations.

According to him, the Command has confiscated 12,271 kegs of vegetable oil since he assumed office.

“The excessive dependence on imported vegetable oil negatively affects our economy, public health, and local agricultural industry,” Afeni said.

“Our Command remains committed to protecting local industries and preserving jobs.”

He also recounted the interception of a Volvo truck on May 7 loaded with unregistered pharmaceuticals, expired food seasoning, rice, second-hand clothing, footwear, handbags, and vegetable oil.

Beyond anti-smuggling activities, the Ogun I Command generated ₦125.4 million between March 16 and May 12 through baggage assessments and the auction of seized petroleum products.

The Command also facilitated the export of 95 metric tonnes of goods with a Free On Board (FOB) value exceeding ₦1 billion.

Afeni noted that intelligence-based operations had helped reduce complaints about multiple checkpoints along trade routes, assuring legitimate traders of continued support.

“Security and trade facilitation go hand in hand. While we remain focused on combating smuggling, we are equally committed to creating a conducive environment for lawful businesses,” he stated.

In line with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Afeni disclosed that the Command is adopting advanced geospatial technology to modernise border surveillance and enforcement.

“This marks a transition from conventional patrol methods to intelligence-driven operations that will enable us to effectively monitor smuggling routes across our Area of Responsibility,” he said.

He also appreciated the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, sister security agencies including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), NDLEA, and other stakeholders.

Afeni further commended officers and personnel of the Command for their dedication and contributions to the successes achieved so far.