Smuggling: Ogun I Custom Hits Hard – Seizes N2.4 Billion Contraband, 2026 Range Rover, 1,204 Bags Of Rice, 3,893 Parcels Of Indian Hemp
Smuggling: Ogun I Custom Hits Hard – Seizes N2.4 Billion Contraband, 2026 Range Rover, 1,204 Bags Of Rice, 3,893 Parcels Of Indian Hemp
…Hands Over Illicit Drugs to NDLEA, Vows Ogun Border Remains Hostile Zone For Economic Saboteurs
By Success Okezie
Idiroko, Ogun State – The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has sent a strong warning to smugglers and economic saboteurs operating along the Ogun border corridors, declaring the Command a no-go area for illicit trade.
The Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, made the declaration on Friday during a major operational briefing held at the Command Headquarters, Idiroko, in the presence of sister security agencies, traditional rulers, trade stakeholders and members of the press.
According to the Controller, since assuming leadership of the strategic Command, his administration has pursued a clear and unwavering mandate: to strengthen border security, suppress smuggling to the barest minimum, facilitate legitimate trade, and deepen stakeholder engagement across Ogun State.
He noted that through concerted operational strategies, intelligence-led enforcement and enhanced inter-agency collaboration, the Command has recorded remarkable, tangible results across all key areas.
Despite prevailing economic challenges along the land borders, the Controller disclosed that the Command has remained firm on legitimate trade facilitation while ensuring maximum revenue collection.
Through diligent duty collection, baggage assessment and meticulous physical examination at designated border points, the Command generated millions of Naira into the Federation Account, overcoming traditional transborder bottlenecks.
He added that the Command has also optimized import/export verification frameworks to fast-track compliant trade while applying strict regulatory oversight on sensitive goods including Micra stone, CNG, white talc and crushed thermal coal.
The highlight of the briefing was the Command’s relentless anti-smuggling drive which has dealt a severe blow to illicit trade networks.
Between August and September 2026 alone, officers and men of the Command intercepted substantial quantities of contraband with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of *Two Billion, Four Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty-Three Naira, Sixty-Eight Kobo (N2,469,153,523.68).
The seizures include:
* 1,204 Bags of foreign parboiled rice
*3,893 Parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp) weighing 1.878 tonnes
*428 Pieces of pneumatic tyres
* 8,675 Litres of PMS (petrol) in kegs
*24 Bales of second-hand clothing
*4 Sacks of used shoes
*500 Litres of diesel in kegs
In what he described as one of the major highlights of the briefing, the Controller announced the seizure of a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530* worth Four Hundred and Seventeen Million, Eleven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Two Naira (N417,011,982.00).
In furtherance of inter-agency collaboration, the Command handed over the 3,893 parcels of Cannabis Sativa to the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and prosecution.
The Controller stressed that border security is a collective responsibility, revealing that in the past ten months, the Command has hosted high-level joint engagements and security meetings to harmonize operations along the Ogun border corridors.
He said operational synergies have been deepened with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, and environmental management agencies to effectively counter cross-border crimes.
The Command has also sustained constructive dialogue with traditional rulers, youth leaders and border community associations to build mutual trust and reduce hostility during enforcement operations.
Speaking on Corporate Social Responsibility, he said the Command’s commitment goes beyond enforcement to fostering community growth and environmental stewardship. He also disclosed that the Inter-Command Athletic Competitions in August and September 2026 reinforced physical fitness and camaraderie among security personnel, with Ogun I emerging as champion in volleyball.
Concluding the briefing, the Controller attributed the accomplishments to the dedication, resilience and integrity of officers and men of the Command, as well as the unwavering support of the *Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, and his management team.
He commended officers and men for their commitment under challenging conditions and thanked host communities, traditional rulers and media partners for their cooperation and trust.
“To the perpetrators of economic sabotage and illegal border activities, our message remains unequivocal: Ogun I Command will continue to be a hostile zone for uncustomed goods and illicit trade. We remain resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests and national security,” he warned.
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