Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), led by Comptroller Otunla has recorded remarkable success, impounded 2,627 bags of foreign parboiled rice which are equivalent to over four trailer loads within a short period of his assuming office.
Other seizures recorded during the period include 1,037 parcels of coconut-sized cannabis sativa; five units of Dane guns; 88 rounds of live cartridges; 13,125 litres of PMS; four units of foreign-used vehicles; seven units of means of conveyance vehicles; and 29 bundles of used pneumatic tyres.
Compt. Otunla gave the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures as ₦344,853,244 which he said was a clear testament to the command’s zero-tolerance stance against smuggling and economic sabotage.
He disclosed that the seized items were intercepted at different locations across Ogun State, including Lusada/Ado-Odo axis, Abule Kazeem/Igbo-Ora Road, Abeokuta axis, Imeko axis, Idiroko/Owode axis, and Ipokia axis, among others.
Emphasizing on the seizures of cannabis sativa and arms and ammunition, he said that they are particularly worrisome, given their far-reaching impact on the youth, public health, and national security.
On revenue generation, he noted that prior to his assumption of duty in April 2025, the sum of ₦10,621,250 was generated as revenue for the Command. He however, stated that through renewed commitment and strategic realignment, the figure was significantly increased to ₦42,279,240.00 by the end of May 2025.
According to him, this improvement reflects the deliberate efforts to block revenue leakages, ensure compliance, and foster legitimate trade across the borders.
Speaking on stakeholders’ engagement, Comptroller Otunla informed that in line with inter-agency synergy and national protocol, he would, in the course of the briefing, formally hand over the seized cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command. He would also hand over the seized arms, ammunition, and explosive materials to the Nigeria Police Force, Ogun State Command, for further necessary actions.
He listed the details of all the items to be handed over to include:
• Single-barrel Dane guns — 5 units
• Live cartridges — 1,433 rounds
• 16×4.8cm Best Fireworks (Indoor) — 18 pieces
• 12×3.8cm Best Fireworks (Indoor) — 30 pieces
• 1,037 parcels of canna sativa.
The controller expressed his profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his dynamic leadership, unflinching support, and consistent encouragement, adding that the CGC’s administration has redefined operational effectiveness and fostered a culture of excellence across Commands nationwide.
He also extended his sincere commendation to the gallant officers and men of Ogun I Area Command, whose relentless efforts—despite daunting challenges—have made these successes possible, saying that their dedication is not only commendable but patriotic.
Specifically he recognized and appreciated the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), Customs Police Unit (CPU), Acting Deputy Comptroller of Revenue, Valuation Unit, and Technical Supervisor (TS) for their concerted efforts towards the achievements.
Furthermore, Otunla acknowledged the collaborative support of sister agencies, traditional institutions, local informants, community leaders, and the youth. He noted that their unwavering support continues to enhance the command’s operational efficiency, adding that as security is a collective responsibility, he does not take these partnerships for granted.
Compt. Otunla called on everyone to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the departed king of the host community, the late Oba John Olakunle Ojo (JP), Oniko of Ikolaje-Idiroko Kingdom and prayed that may his soul rest in perfect peace. He acknowledged that his reign contributed immensely to the peaceful co-existence the command is enjoying in Idiroko and its environs.
He reaffirming his unwavering resolve to sustain this momentum, as he warned smugglers and their collaborators to steer clear of Ogun I Command, stating that the NCS under his leadership at Ogun 1 command will continue to act with integrity, courage and Professionalism, guided by our mandate and committed to national development.
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