By Sandra Chukwunyere
As part of renewed efforts to combat the growing influx of illicit drugs, unregistered pharmaceuticals and other forms of smuggling within the Ogun border region.
The Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Gambo Aliyu, on Monday held a series of strategic engagements with key security stakeholders in the state.
The engagements took him to the Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, and the palace of the Alake of Egbaland, where discussions centred on strengthening cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and cross-border crimes.
During the visit to the NDLEA Command, Aliyu disclosed that the unit had recorded significant seizures of Cannabis Indica since he assumed office. According to him, over 60 per cent of the more than two tonnes intercepted by the unit within the past three months were traced to the Ogun corridor.
He explained that other smuggling routes also contributed to the seizures, with the Seme–Badagry corridor and the Oyo axis accounting for about 20 per cent each.
Aliyu said the scale of the seizures highlighted the strategic importance of the Ogun corridor in the activities of drug traffickers and smugglers operating along Nigeria’s border routes.
The Customs Comptroller noted that the visits were designed to reinforce existing operational ties between Customs and other law enforcement agencies, stressing that coordinated efforts remain essential in tackling organised criminal networks.
He also revealed that recent operations against drug traffickers came with a tragic loss following the death of a Customs officer during an anti-smuggling operation.
Aliyu reaffirmed the determination of the unit to enforce the zero-tolerance policy against illicit imports introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
According to him, the Customs Service will continue to rely on intelligence-driven operations, joint patrols and information sharing with partner agencies to curb the spread of narcotics and other illegal goods entering the country.
In his response, the Ogun State Commander of the NDLEA, Tijjani Rabe, praised the Customs Service for its sustained enforcement activities and welcomed the move to strengthen collaboration between both agencies.
Rabe described the visit as historic, noting that it was the first time the Federal Operations Unit of the Customs Service had paid such a courtesy visit to the command since its establishment.
He pointed out that although Customs and NDLEA operate under different mandates, their roles remain interconnected in the fight against drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
The NDLEA commander also revealed that the command is focusing not only on enforcement but also on preventive measures by engaging young people through sensitisation programmes aimed at discouraging drug abuse.
Aliyu later proceeded to the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, where he emphasised the longstanding partnership between the Customs Service and the police in maintaining national security.
He commended the police command for its swift response and professionalism in ongoing efforts to track down those responsible for the incident that led to the death of a Customs officer.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, acknowledged the strong working relationship among security agencies in the state, noting that intelligence sharing has played a key role in maintaining stability in border communities.
Ogunlowo also mentioned concerns previously raised by the Ogun State House of Assembly over the increasing number of checkpoints, adding that the police command is taking steps to address the issue.
According to him, cooperation among security agencies has helped maintain relative peace across the state.
Aliyu also visited the palace of the Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, where he sought the support of traditional institutions in discouraging smuggling and drug abuse within local communities.
He described both activities as serious threats to Nigeria’s youth and economic stability, stressing that traditional rulers have an important role to play in influencing behavioural change at the grassroots level.
The Alake commended the Customs Service for its role in protecting government revenue and preventing the influx of harmful goods into the country.
The monarch acknowledged the challenges faced by Customs officers in enforcing regulations and collecting duties, while also urging individuals involved in smuggling activities to seek lawful means of livelihood.
He added that the traditional institution in Egbaland has continued to e
ducate those involved in smuggling on the need to abandon the illegal trade.
The visits ended with the presentation of souvenirs to the leadership of the agencies and the Alake, symbolising strengthened collaboration among security institutions and traditional authorities in the ongoing effort to curb drug trafficking and smuggling along the Ogun corridor
