Ogun I Customs, NAFDAC, Nigerian Army Intensify Inter-Agency Collaboration to Combat Illicit Trade

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to combating counterfeit goods, unwholesome drugs, and border security threats by strengthening inter-agency collaboration with National Agency for Food Drug and Administration Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian Army.

The renewed commitment followed a high- profile strategic engagement between the Ag. Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Oludayo Afeni and senior officials of the NAFDAC Federal Task Force on Fake and Substandard Products and the 35 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, the engagement occurred during a separate visits of the two Agencies to the Command’s Headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.

Leading the NAFDAC Taskforce Delegation, the Director of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Substandard Products at NAFDAC, Dr. Martin Iluyomade noted that the visit aimed at establishing a robust, intelligence-driven operations targeted at intercepting substandard and expired goods before reaching Nigerian markets.

He commended the Command’s anti-smuggling track record and advocated for real-time information sharing and streamlined enforcement to protect public health and local industries.

In response, DC Oladapo Afeni emphasised the importance of inter-agency coordination in dismantling organised smuggling syndicates.

According to him, “The resolve to secure the nation’s borders against illicit trade remains unwavering and strengthening our partnership with the Federal Task Force will enhance our operational efficiency and ensure importers of fake and substandard items find no safe haven within our jurisdiction”.

Both agencies urged importers, clearing agents, and border communities to prioritize compliant trade and report suspicious activities to security authorities.

Similarly, as part of effort to intensify border security, the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, Brigadier, General Friday Oguche Onu, also paid an official visit to DC Afeni to enhance security architecture across Ogun State’s border corridors.

Brigadier General Onu pledged continuous operational backstopping and intelligence sharing from the Nigeria Customs service, Ogun I Command in particular to counter trans-border crime, smuggling, and regional threats.

“Security along our border communities requires a seamless, unified front. The 35 Artillery Brigade remains fully committed to fostering joint operations to safeguard national security and economic stability,” General Onu stated.

The Ag. Customs Area Controller Ogun I Command DC Afeni on his part, appreciated the military’s steadfast support, reaffirming that joint tactics remain vital to suppressing illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade.

The visits concluded with formal presentations of commemorative plaques, signing of the official visitors’ register, and joint group photographs with senior officers of the respective formations.