Customs Shields Local Farmers, Intercepts Smuggled Foreign Rice, Other Contraband Worth N3.57bn in Ogun

.Generates N90.066 million in July

.Records Export Volume of 10,110 metric tonnes, with a Free On Board (FOB) value of N2.594 billion.

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has intercepted smuggled foreign parboiled rice, basmati rice and other prohibited items with a total duty paid value (DPV) of N3.574 billion, as part of its intensified efforts to protect local farmers, agricultural investors and the domestic economy.

Addressing journalists on Thursday, 13 August 2026 at the Command’s Headquarters, Idiroko, Ogun State, the Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Afeni, made this known, revealing that the seizures were recorded between June 24 and August 13, 2026, as the command sustained its crackdown on smuggling and illicit drug trafficking along the border.

The quantity of the rice and drug included 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 cartons of basmati rice and 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica.

The Acting Controller formally handed over the seized narcotics to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation.

DC Afeni said the operation was not merely about enforcing import restrictions but also about protecting the livelihoods of local farmers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs whose investments were threatened by the influx of smuggled goods.

“When foreign rice is smuggled into our markets, it undermines our local farmers and agricultural investors,” he stated.

According to him, government and private investors had committed substantial resources to achieving greater self-sufficiency in food production, adding that unchecked smuggling could undermine local mills, leave farmers without markets and weaken efforts to create jobs.

Afeni said the command had, in line with the directives of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, strengthened its operations through enhanced intelligence, technology and stiffer enforcement measures.

He noted that the command had recorded sustained, back-to-back seizures of foreign parboiled rice and illicit drugs in recent months, despite attempts by smugglers to adopt sophisticated concealment methods.

“However, our intelligence networks, technological integration, and the raw determination of our officers on the frontline have proven superior,” he said.

The Acting Controller said the command would continue to disrupt smuggling networks, intercept prohibited consignments and ensure that offenders faced the law.

Giving details of other latest seizures, Afeni listed 30 bags of foreign sugar weighing 50kg each, 2,674 pieces of new shorts and trousers, 11,450 litres of PMS in kegs, 1,750 litres of PMS in drums, 30 kegs of diesel and 100 bags of fertiliser.

Others were 67 bales of second-hand clothing, 3,760 pieces of new tops, 85 fire extinguishers, 480 cartons of Pure Heaven drinks, 53 packages of oats, 47 cartons of cosmetics, 36 packages of hair accessories, three packages of surgical shoes and 127 new purses.

The total duty paid value of all the seized items was N3,574,435,248.08.

Speaking on the Ghana Loud/Indica seized, DC Afeni said the seizure of 6,035 parcels underscored the command’s growing role in preventing illicit drugs from entering the country through the border.

He formally handed over the seized narcotics to the Commander, NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, in line with established operational procedures and legal requirements.

The Area Controller further informed that from January 2026 to date, Ogun I Command had handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of raw cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command.

Afeni described drug trafficking as a serious security and public health concern and stressed the need for seamless collaboration among Customs, NDLEA and other security agencies.

He said the fight against drug trafficking could not be won by one agency alone, noting that intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation remained critical to disrupting the networks behind the illicit trade.

He warned smugglers involved in the movement of illicit drugs that the command would continue to seize their consignments, impound vehicles used in smuggling and ensure that those arrested faced prosecution.

Revenue, Export Performance 

On revenue, Afeni disclosed that Ogun I Command collected N90.066 million in July 2026 from baggage assessments, auctions of perishable items, PMS and other charges.

He also said the command recorded an export volume of 10,110 metric tonnes, with a Free On Board (FOB) value of N2.594 billion.

According to him, the major commodities driving the command’s export performance included white talc, crushed thermal coal and compressed natural gas (CNG).

Afeni stressed that the Customs Service’s mandate extended beyond revenue collection to include protecting the domestic economy, enforcing trade regulations and facilitating legitimate commerce.

He urged traditional rulers, youth leaders and residents of border communities to support the command by reporting suspicious activities along border corridors.

The Acting Controller also appealed to Nigerians to support local industries by patronising locally produced agricultural and manufactured goods, particularly rice.

“By consuming locally produced rice, vegetable oil, local wine and pasta, you are investing in our economy, securing jobs, and ensuring food security,” he said.

Afeni also called for stronger partnership with the media in sensitising the public on Customs operations and promoting voluntary compliance.

He urged the media to conduct thorough verification before publishing reports on Customs activities, saying legitimate trade should not be wrongly portrayed as illicit activity.

The Area Controller commended officers of the command for their dedication and operational efforts, and also appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi for his leadership and support.

DC Afeni said Ogun I Command would continue to sustain its enforcement tempo against smugglers while facilitating legitimate trade and supporting the Federal Government’s economic and agricultural development policies.