₦6.77 Billion Smuggling Haul: Ogun I Customs Records 73 Seizures in 41 Days, Tightens Grip on Border Crime
₦6.77 Billion Smuggling Haul: Ogun I Customs Records 73 Seizures in 41 Days, Tightens Grip on Border Crime
By Silas Onuoha
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy and safeguarding public health, announcing major anti-smuggling breakthroughs achieved within just five weeks of intensified operations.
Speaking at a press briefing in Idiroko on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, Comptroller O.O. Afeni — described as a triple-edge officer: revenue specialist, seasoned customs administrator, and relentless anti-smuggling strategist — addressed representatives of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, heads of sister security agencies, members of the press, and other stakeholders, presenting a detailed progress report on the Command’s latest enforcement successes.
According to Comptroller Afeni, the Command has sustained a relentless pursuit of economic saboteurs operating within its Area of Responsibility through strengthened intelligence, closer inter-agency collaboration, and refined enforcement strategies across Ogun State’s land borders.
The renewed momentum follows the Command’s earlier milestone of handing over 2,543 parcels of cannabis to the NDLEA on March 16, 2026. Rather than slowing down, the Command intensified its operations and delivered even more significant results.
Within 41 days, the Ogun I Command recorded 73 seizures across multiple locations in Ogun State with a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦6.77 billion. Items intercepted include:
1,759 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each)
10,126 parcels of cannabis indica (Ghana Loud) weighing 4,627kg, valued at over ₦5 billion
2,685 kegs of vegetable oil (25 litres each)
14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit
Additional vegetable oil shipments in smaller packages
226 sacks of Basmati rice
205 packs of footwear
66 bales and 7 sacks of second-hand clothing
77 cartons of Analgin injections without NAFDAC registration
Two used vehicles
Expired food items including 50 cartons of Maggi cubes
Organic honey, macaroni, spaghetti and sugar
Six live pangolins, already handed over to wildlife authorities
Comptroller Afeni stressed that the seizures represent more than statistics; they are vital interventions aimed at protecting Nigerians from serious social, economic and health risks.
He highlighted the growing threat of cannabis trafficking, noting its strong link to criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry and cultism. From January to date, the Command has removed 26,002 parcels of cannabis from circulation, preventing a potential surge in drug-related health crises that could overwhelm the country’s already stretched healthcare and rehabilitation systems.
Rice smuggling was also identified as a major threat to national economic growth. Afeni reiterated that the Federal Government’s land-border rice import restriction is designed to encourage local production and enhance food security, warning that continued smuggling undermines domestic farmers and slows Nigeria’s journey toward self-sufficiency.
Vegetable oil smuggling emerged as another major enforcement focus. Acting on credible intelligence, officers intercepted a DAF truck on May 5, 2026 along the Sagamu Interchange/Ogere Road carrying 2,185 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil. Since assuming office, the Command has seized 12,271 kegs in total, highlighting the growing scale of the illegal trade.
Another major interception occurred on May 7, 2026 when officers stopped a Volvo truck along the same corridor. A full inspection uncovered smuggled pharmaceuticals without regulatory approval, expired food items, rice, footwear, clothing, vegetable oil and organic honey.
Beyond enforcement, the Command recorded notable revenue and trade facilitation achievements. Between March 16 and May 12, 2026, Ogun I Command generated ₦125.43 million through baggage assessments and auction of seized petroleum products. The Command also facilitated the export of 95 metric tonnes of goods with a Free On Board value exceeding ₦1.004 billion.
Comptroller Afeni noted that complaints about multiple checkpoints along trade corridors have disappeared, replaced by smoother movement for legitimate businesses. He emphasized that security and trade facilitation remain two sides of the same mission.
“The Command is now entering a new phase of digital enforcement, deploying advanced geospatial technology in line with the modernization vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs. The shift from traditional patrols to intelligence-led operations will enable real-time monitoring of smuggling hotspots and strengthen border security,”he said.
Reaffirming the Command’s dedication to transparency, accountability and global customs standards, Afeni assured compliant traders of continued support and cooperation.
He concluded by appreciating the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, sister security agencies — including DSS, NIS, NPF and NDLEA — as well as officers and stakeholders whose collaboration continues to strengthen border security.
With renewed determination, the Ogun I Area Command pledged to remain vigilant in protecting Nigeria’s borders, economy and citizens from the threats posed by illicit trade.
