The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has intensified its crackdown on smuggling, recording seizures of contraband goods valued at over N1.35 billion within a short operational period.
Addressing journalists at Idiroko on Monday, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Mr. O.O. Afeni, said the achievements followed a renewed commitment by the command to combat economic sabotage and protect Nigeria’s borders.
Afeni noted that the command, through intelligence-driven operations, intercepted 2,539 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil along the Agbara axis on March 11, 2026. The seizure, he said, followed an earlier interception of 4,325 cartons of foreign spaghetti on March 4, highlighting a persistent trend in the smuggling of essential commodities.
He explained that the operations are in line with the mandate of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to safeguard the nation’s economy and promote local industries.
“In removing these illicit goods from circulation, we are protecting local producers and ensuring a fair trade environment,” Afeni stated.
Other items seized during the period include 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 545 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 50 bags of imported sugar, used clothing, vehicles, and two antiquities. The command also intercepted 2,547 parcels of cannabis sativa.
The seized drugs have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, in line with inter-agency collaboration, while the antiquities were transferred to the National Museum in Abeokuta for preservation.
Afeni reaffirmed the command’s determination to sustain the fight against smuggling, warning that offenders would find the border increasingly hostile to illegal activities.
“We are always one step ahead. There is no trick smugglers can deploy that we cannot uncover,” he said.
On revenue generation, the command recorded N285.65 million within the review period, surpassing the N259.26 million generated in the same period in 2025.
The controller attributed the increase to improved enforcement, baggage assessments, and auction sales of seized petroleum products.
He also disclosed that the command recorded a significant boost in export activities, with 95 metric tonnes of goods valued at over N305.7 million exported—marking a major improvement from zero exports recorded in the corresponding period last year.
Afeni commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his support, as well as traditional rulers, security agencies, and the media for their cooperation.
He assured that the command would continue to enforce government policies, encourage legitimate trade, and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders to enhance national economic growth.
