By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its crackdown on smuggling activities, intercepting contraband goods valued at ₦3.57 billion and handing over thousands of parcels of illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Speaking during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Idiroko, the Ag. Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, announced that the Command seized prohibited items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦3,574,435,248.08 in a series of intelligence-led operations across border communities within its jurisdiction.
As part of the operation, the Command handed over 6,035 parcels of “Ghana Loud” (Indica cannabis) to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
Afeni described smuggling as a major threat to Nigeria’s economy, saying it undermines local industries, destroys jobs, encourages criminal activities and poses serious risks to public health and national security.
“Smuggling robs our children of a future. No nation develops when its borders are treated as highways for criminality,” he said.
The seized items include 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 cartons of Basmati rice, 6,035 parcels of cannabis, 30 bags of foreign sugar, 11,450 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stored in kegs, 1,750 litres of PMS in drums, 30 kegs of diesel, 100 bags of fertilizer, 67 bales of second-hand clothing, 2,674 pieces of new shorts and trousers, 3,760 pieces of new tops, 480 cartons of Pure Haven drinks, 47 cartons of cosmetics and 85 fire extinguishers, among other prohibited goods.
According to the Controller, the intercepted narcotics represented a significant danger to society, noting that the drugs could have contributed to crime, addiction and the destruction of many lives if they had found their way into the market.
He disclosed that from January to date, the Command has handed over a total of 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of raw cannabis sativa to the NDLEA, underscoring its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking.
On revenue generation, Afeni revealed that the Command realised ₦90,066,164 in July 2026 through baggage assessments, auction sales and other approved charges.
The Customs boss also highlighted the Command’s contribution to export trade, stating that it facilitated the export of 10,110 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦2.59 billion. The exports included white talc, crushed thermal coal and compressed natural gas (CNG).
Afeni commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and dedication, while also applauding the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for implementing reforms that have strengthened operational efficiency across the Service.
He called on traditional rulers, youth leaders and residents of border communities to support Customs by providing timely information on suspicious movements and smuggling activities.
The Controller further urged Nigerians to patronise locally made products, stressing that supporting indigenous industries would promote economic growth, create jobs and strengthen national development.
He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain its anti-smuggling operations, warning economic saboteurs that Ogun I Command would remain uncompromising in its efforts to secure the nation’s borders and protect the economy.
