Ogun 1 Customs Intercepts N6.7b Worth of Smuggled Goods in 41 Days

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command has recorded major breakthroughs in anti- smuggling operations, intercepting contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value of N6.7 billion within 41 Days.

This was contained in a statement made available to Transit NewsNG on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.

According to the statement, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, said the seizures were successfully recorded through intelligence-driven operations and enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies.

DC Afeni disclosed that the command made 73 seizures in five weeks (41 days), comprising 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica fondly called “Ghanaian Loud,” equivalent to about 4,627 kilograms, and 16 kegs of Oki Vegetable oil, 2 liters each.

Other items intercepted include 1,759 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 2,685 kegs of vegetable oil, 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 46 bags of foreign sugar, 66 bales of secondhand clothing.

“10 cartons of Basmatic rice, 21kg each, 216 cartons of Basmati rice, 20kg each, 205 packs of footwears, 26 Sacks of raw cannabis sativa, 66 Bales of secondhand clothing, 11 kegs of Diesel, 25 liters each, 46 Bags of foreign Sugar, 25kg each, 77 cartons of Analgin injection, 500mg (without NAFDAC Reg. Number), 7 sacks of secondhand clothing, 2 Units of used Vehicles, 2 sacks of ladies’ handbags, 16 cartons of Organic honey, 50 cartons of expired Maggie Star, 858 Packs of Macaroni, 2 Sack of Spaghetti,” he noted.

The Acting Controller also revealed that the rescued six live pangolins which had already been handed over to the relevant agency.

DC Afeni said the latest interceptions followed the command’s earlier handover of 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command on 16th March 2026.

He said the command had since refined its operational strategies in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Federal Government’s fiscal policies.

Afeni warned that the increasing abuse of cannabis remained a major threat to public safety and national security.

“From January to date, we have taken 26,002 parcels of cannabis off the streets. This is not just a seizure; it is a preventive measure against drug-related crises capable of fuelling criminal activities such as armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, cultism and terrorism,” he stated.

On rice smuggling, the Ogun 1 Customs boss reiterated that the Federal Government’s restriction on rice importation through land borders was aimed at boosting local production and encouraging self-sufficiency.

He noted that persistent rice smuggling continued to undermine economic growth and local agricultural investments.

Afeni further disclosed that operatives intercepted a DAF truck conveying 2,185 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil along the Shagamu Interchange/Ogere road on 5th May 2026.

He noted that the influx of imported vegetable oil posed serious threats to local industries, jobs and public health due to the risks associated with adulterated and substandard products.

Similarly, another operation on May 7 led to the interception of a Volvo truck loaded with 77 cartons of Analgin injection without NAFDAC registration number, 50 cartons of expired Maggi cubes, 226 sacks of Basmati rice, footwears, used clothing, vegetable oil and other contraband goods.

On revenue generation, Afeni stated that the command realised N125.4 million between March 16 and May 12, 2026, through baggage assessment and auction of seized petroleum products.

He added that Ogun 1 Command also facilitated the export of 95 metric tonnes of goods with a Free On Board (FOB) value of N1.004 billion within the period under review.

Afeni further disclosed that the command was embracing intelligence-led and technology-driven border management in line with the modernisation agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

He explained that the command had commenced deployment of advanced geospatial technology to monitor smuggling flashpoints and strengthen surveillance across its Area of Responsibility.

According to him, the initiative marks a shift from conventional patrol operations to modern enforcement strategies aimed at enhancing intelligence gathering, improving border security and facilitating legitimate trade.

He added that the technology-driven approach would also promote transparency and align the command’s operations with the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework of Standards.

The Acting Controller commended the support of sister security agencies including the NDLEA, DSS, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Police Force, assuring that the command would sustain efforts aimed at protecting the economy and combating illicit trade.