The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has renewed Onslaught against economic saboteurs of the Nigerian economy complicit in nefarious Smuggling of prohibited and restricted goods through the borders within 41 days.
Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, announced the feat during a press briefing in Idiroko, attributing the success to the renewed anti-smuggling mandate of Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
Afeni said the directive sharpened intelligence gathering and strengthened coordinated enforcement across commands.
“This operation is a direct outcome of the CGC’s charge to tighten the noose on smugglers, protect local industries, and safeguard public health,” Afeni stated.
Major seizures recorded during the period are Cannabis sativa: 2,543 parcels, Cannabis indica (“Ghana Loud”): 10,126 parcels weighing 4,627kg, valued at over ₦5 billion.
Other consignments intercepted are foreign parboiled rice: 1,759 bags (50kg each), vegetable oil: 2,685 kegs (25 litres each), Premium Motor Spirit (petrol): 14,550 litres concealed in jerry cans. Other items include basmati rice, sugar, footwear, secondhand clothing, diesel, organic honey, expired food products, macaroni, spaghetti, and six live pangolins (handed over to wildlife authorities).
The Duty Paid Value of all seized items stood at ₦6,777,236,000.
Afeni emphasized that cannabis remains a major threat, fueling addiction and crimes such as armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
He noted that from January to date, the command has removed 26,002 parcels of cannabis from circulation.
He also highlighted how smuggling undermines Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial growth. The continued influx of foreign rice weakens local production, while unregulated vegetable oil imports damage domestic refineries and smallholder farmers.
May 5, 2026, officers intercepted a DAF truck along Sagamu–Interchange/Ogere road carrying 2,185 kegs of Oki vegetable oil. On May 7, 2026, a Volvo truck was stopped with 77 cartons of unregistered Analgin injection, 50 cartons of expired Maggi cubes, sacks of basmati rice, footwear, handbags, vegetable oil, organic honey, and used clothing.
Between March 16 and May 12, 2026, the command generated ₦125,430,757 into the Federation Account through baggage assessments and auctions of seized petroleum products. It also facilitated the export of 95 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board value of ₦1,004,641,056.09.
According to the Comptroller, “It is of essence to state that the aforementioned items were intercepted at different locations within Ogun State, with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of our intelligence.”
He highlighted the adverse effect of the seized items on the wellbeing of our citizenry, especially the cannabis sativa, foreign rice and vegetable oil. “Cannabis Sativa/Indica, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp is a psychoactive drug that is derived from the cannabis plant. It has a devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths. The rise in its abuses gives a great concern within the Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping terrorism and other vices.”
Afeni encouraged all compliant traders to remain steadfast and be assured of maximum cooperation. According to him, “our doors are widely open for consultation and required support. Security and trade are two sides of the same coin at the Command. We are utilizing intelligence to drive our operations; we are not just catching smugglers; we are clearing the path for honest businesses. The proof is on the road complaints regarding multiple checkpoints have disappeared, replaced by a streamlined corridor for legitimate commerce.”
He commended the synergy among agencies and urged Nigerians to support Customs and federal policies aimed at strengthening national security, safeguarding public health, and boosting local production.
The seized narcotics were handed over to Ekundayo Williams, Commander of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command.
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