Comptroller Otunla Showcases Seizure of Prohibited Items Worth N1.4 Billion at Idiriko

.Says Ogun 1 Customs Command Records 27.47% Revenue Increase in July

ZAINAB JUNAID

Barely six weeks of showcasing massive seizures intercepted by Operatives of Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Godwin Otunla has again displayed another set of interceptions having a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,401,531,923.9.

Speaking at the Command’s Headquarters in Idiriko, Ogun State, on Thursday, 21 August 2025, Comptroller Otunla attributed the successful seizures to intelligence-driven operations, resilience, and unwavering commitment of its gallant Officers.

He highlighted the seizures made to include: Foreign Parboiled Rice of 50kg each – 4,424 bags, approximately seven truckloads; Cannabis Sativa, also known as marijuana – 50 sacks and 1,936 parcels of coconut size; Used Pneumatic Tyres – 105 pieces; Used Clothing – 21 bales and 3 sacks; Foreign-Used Vehicles, commonly known as Tokunbo – 3 units including a Rolls-Royce worth billions of Naira; Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – 6,400 litres.

The seizures, he said, have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of One Billion, Four Hundred and One Million, Five Hundred and Thirty-One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty-Three Naira, Ninety-Five Kobo – ₦1,401,531,923.95, representing a significant economic loss to smugglers but a huge gain to the national economy and security.

In addition to the anti-smuggling feats, Comptroller Otunla informed that the Command also sustained efforts in revenue generation, recording a total figure of ₦45,054,191.00 in July 2025, which is higher than the ₦35,327,852.00 generated in the corresponding month of 2024.

According to the Area Controller, the figure represents a commendable increase of 27.47%, reflecting the Command’s efforts in enhancing compliance drive, improved monitoring of border activities, and robust Stakeholders’ engagement.

Also, in line with inter-agency collaboration framework, the seized cannabis were handed over to the representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action.

Comptroller Otunla stressed that the synergy is not only in compliance with government directives but also reinforced the collective determination to safeguard public health, ensure national security, and protect the future of Nigerian youths from the devastating effects of hard drugs.

He commended Officers and Men of the Command for their resilience and dedication and also appreciated the support of the sister security agencies, and the cooperation of patriotic members of the border communities who continued to provide credible intelligence to aid the Command’s operations.