Ogun Customs Busts Smuggling Operations, Seizes Goods Worth N2.47bn
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted smuggled goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2.469 billion between August and September 2026.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Thursday at a press briefing held at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.
Afeni said the seizures were recorded during intensified, intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing smuggling and other forms of illicit cross-border trade.
According to him, the items intercepted included 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 3,893 parcels of cannabis weighing 1.878 tonnes, 428 pneumatic tyres, 8,675 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 24 bales of second-hand clothing, four sacks of used shoes and 500 litres of diesel.
He put the total DPV of the seized goods at N2,469,153,523.68, describing the figure as a reflection of the Command’s zero-tolerance approach to economic sabotage and illegal border activities.
Afeni also disclosed the seizure of a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530 valued at N417,011,982, describing it as one of the major highlights of the Command’s recent enforcement operations.
As part of inter-agency cooperation, the Command handed over the 3,893 parcels of cannabis sativa to the Idiroko Special Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.
The Acting Controller said the Command had strengthened collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA and environmental management agencies to combat cross-border crimes.
On trade facilitation, Afeni said the Command remained committed to supporting legitimate businesses operating through the land borders while maintaining strict regulatory controls.
He said measures including duty collection, baggage assessment, physical examination and improved import and export verification processes had been deployed to facilitate compliant trade and reduce bottlenecks.
According to him, sensitive goods such as Micra stone, CNG, white talc and crushed thermal coal remained under strict regulatory oversight.
Afeni also disclosed that the Command had sustained engagements with traditional rulers, youth leaders and border community associations to improve understanding and cooperation during enforcement operations.
He added that the Command participated in inter-command athletic competitions in August and September, emerging champion in volleyball as part of efforts to promote physical fitness and camaraderie among personnel.
The Acting Controller attributed the Command’s achievements to the commitment of its officers and men, as well as the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management.
He warned smugglers and other perpetrators of illegal border activities that the Command would sustain its enforcement operations.
“Ogun I Command will continue to be a hostile zone for uncustomed goods and illicit trade. We remain resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests and national security,” Afeni said.
