By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed reports alleging that smugglers barricaded the Idiroko–Zango Ota road in Ogun State, describing the claims as false and a misrepresentation of an unfortunate traffic incident.
According to information made available to our correspondent, the traffic gridlock was caused by an accident involving a commercial trailer which broke down after falling into a badly failed section of the Atan Road, leading to a temporary obstruction of vehicular movement.
The Command clarified that the vehicles trapped in the resulting congestion were legitimate commercial trucks conveying red palm oil to local markets and had no connection whatsoever with smuggling activities.
The management through the Command Public Relations, SC Zacks Chado explained that the sheer number of heavy-duty vehicles caught in the traffic mistakenly led some members of the public to conclude that smugglers had taken over the road, a claim the Command insists is entirely unfounded.
“The reports that smugglers blocked the road are inaccurate. The disruption resulted from a road accident and poor road conditions. The vehicles involved were lawful commercial vehicles transporting red palm oil for legitimate trade,” Chado stated.
The Command appealed to journalists, social media users and members of the public to exercise restraint and verify information before circulating reports capable of creating unnecessary panic or undermining public confidence in security agencies.
Industry observers note that the allegation is inconsistent with the current security reality within the Ogun I Area Command, which has intensified anti-smuggling operations under the leadership of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Comptroller O.O. Afeni.
Since assuming office, Comptroller Afeni has sustained intelligence-driven surveillance, strengthened collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders, and maintained sustained pressure on economic saboteurs operating along the Ogun border corridors. These efforts have resulted in notable seizures of prohibited goods and reinforced the Command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy and territorial integrity.
Maritime and border trade stakeholders have therefore urged the public to avoid spreading unverified claims that could diminish the achievements of security personnel or create a false impression of lawlessness in the border communities.
They maintained that while the fight against smuggling remains a continuous responsibility, accurate reporting is equally essential to ensure that genuine operational successes are not overshadowed by misinformation.
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The Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining its anti-smuggling campaign while facilitating legitimate trade in line with the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
