Anti-Smuggling Drive: Ogun I Area Command Intercepts N3.15bn Worth of Smuggled Goods in 15 Days

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command has intensified anti-smuggling drive, intercepting prohibited items worth N3.153 billion in 15 days.

Under the leadership of the new Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, the command seized five trucks laden with large consignments of unwholesome medicaments, restricted military camouflage caps, and other prohibited items capable of threatening national security, public safety and citizens’ wellbeing, if allowed into Nigeria market.

Speaking at his maiden press briefing held at Idiroko, Ogun State, on Thursday, 15 October 2026, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim disclosed that the command recorded 43 seizures within the 15 days he assumed the leadership of the command.

DC Ibrahim attributed the successful seizures to intensified surveillance, strategic intelligence deployment and strengthened collaboration with sister agencies and community stakeholders to enhance border operations.

Giving details of the seizures, the Acting Area Controller informed that his vigilant officers acted on precise intelligence and detected after examination, that three trucks conveyed prohibited items. The trucks were subsequently intercepted on the 2nd of October 2026.

He also gave details of other two trucks seized afterwards, stressing that owners of the five trucks had forfeited N1.235bn to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).

According to him, “In a single day, on 2nd of October, 2026, to be precise, at about 0430hrs, a patrol team acting on precise intelligence, intercepted three (3) trucks. The three (3) trucks were transported to command headquarters Idiroko for physical examination as enshrined in section 227 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

“After the examination, the trucks discovered to be conveying prohibited items as breakdown below:

“The first truck (Sino truck Howo) with Reg No. MSW-232-XA was found to contain 2,740 cartons of foreign Siddo Pasta concealed with 500 cartons of Oki Condense Milk

“The second Howo truck with Reg No. TFA-674-XA contained 6,000 foreign Ginny pasta

“And the third Iveco Elco Truck with Reg No. KMC-702-ZR was found to be conveying 6,500 foreign Doga Pasta,” he said.

Speaking further, he said, “Again, on 4th October 2026, at about 0134hrs, along Afamin Dangote-Itori axis of the state, the command intercepted a Dangote truck with Reg. No FZE-552-DA conveying 100 bags of foreign parboiled rice, concealed in Mica and Gypsum stones.

“In our efforts on border security and public health, on 11th October 2026, the command’s patrol team intercepted a 10 tyres truck with Reg No. AKL-456-XL. A thorough physical examination revealed that the vehicle was conveying 321 pieces of Army camouflage face caps and 27,831 types of different unregistered drugs like codeine cough syrup, injections, eyes drops and supplements without NAFDAC Number”.

The Deputy Comptroller highlighted other seizures to include: 4, 013 Cannabis sativa, 1 wrap of Canadian loud, 950 litres in kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 660 Bags of foreign Parboiled Rice 50kg each, 4 Bundles of used Pneumatic Tyres, 106 Bales of second-hand clothing, 1,320 Pieces of smuggled new shoes, 3,700 Pieces of used shoes, 252 Pieces of imported face caps, 1,250 Pieces of foreign used bags and 13 units of Foreign-Used Vehicles.

The seized foreign used vehicles are: 1 unit used Hyundai Tucson 2008 model, 3 units used CRV jeep 2013 model, 1 unit used Venza 2019 model, 1 unit used Lexus Jeep LX600 2022 model, 1 unit used Lexus car ES350 2013 model, 1 unit used Toyota Camry XLE 2013 model, 1 unit used Avensis verso 2006, 1 unit used Peugeot 406 2002 model, 1 unit used Galaxy 2009 model, 1 unit Nissan Almera 2006 model.

According to him the total Duty Paid Value of the seizures stood at N3,153,591,000 Billion.

He stressed that the development reflects the NCS zero-tolerance stance against smuggling and economic sabotage.

“For emphasis, the seizure of Cannabis Sativa is particularly worrisome, given their far-reaching impact on our youth, public health, and national security.

‎”We are removing illicit goods to safeguard public health and support local producers. Under the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR, our command is fully equipped and strategically deployed to neutralize illegal trade and dismantle smuggling operations across the region,” the Deputy Comptroller declared.

DC Ibrahim further expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his dynamic leadership, unflinching support, and consistent encouragement, noting his administration has redefined operational effectiveness and motivated a culture of excellence across Commands nationwide.

Ibrahim also commended the patriotism of the officers and men of the command, whose relentless efforts, despite daunting challenges, have made the seizures successful.

‎He concluded, warning smugglers and their collaborators to steer clear of Ogun I Command.

‎”We remain vigilant, alert, and ready to confront any threat to the economic, and security interests of our nation. The Ogun I command under my leadership, will continue to act with integrity, courage, and professionalism, guided by our mandate, and committed to national development”.

In line with interagency collaboration and im recognition of the statutory responsibility of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the seized cannabis sativa were handed over to the representatives of NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary actions.