Ogun Customs seize N4.63bn contrabands, generates N259.8m revenue

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The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko has impounded contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value of ₦4.63 billion between April and June and also generated N259.78m within the same period under review

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Speaking during a press briefing at Idiroko on Wednesday, the acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said the achievements were recorded between April 1 and June 23, 2026, as part of intensified efforts to enforce fiscal policies, facilitate legitimate trade and suppress smuggling activities along the nation’s border corridor.

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Some of the seizures under review include 2,807 bags of foreign parboiled rice 50kg each, 9,482 parcels of cannabis sativa, 62 sacks of raw marijuana, 16,525 litres of premium motor spirit in kegs, 475 litres of diesel, 7,642 pieces of footwear, 2,427 pneumatic tyres, 63 sacks of foreign sugar among others.

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The command also during the briefing handed over 6,981 parcels of Cannabis Indica (Ghanian loud) in different sizes and 62 sacks of raw marijuana to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command for further necessary action while a substantial illicit pharmaceuticals including 77 cartons of Analgin injection (138,600 tubes) and 100 sachets of Tramadol, with each sachet containing 1000 tablets of 225mg each were also handed over to NAFDAC.

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Afeni disclosed that the Command generated ₦259,777,346.89 from baggage assessments, auctions of perishable items, petroleum products and other charges during the period under review.

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According to him, the figure represents a significant increase compared to the ₦76,814,207 collected during the corresponding period in 2025.

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“The Command collected revenue to the tune of ₦259,777,346.89 during the second quarter of 2026. This represents an increase of ₦182,445,543.89 over the amount collected in the same period of 2025, translating to a remarkable growth of 238 per cent,” Afeni said.

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He attributed the increase to the dedication of officers and strict enforcement of import and export regulations.

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“The difference recorded was made possible as a result of the resilience of officers in ensuring that importers and agents adhere strictly to import and export guidelines in tandem with extant laws,” he added.

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The Customs boss further revealed that the Command recorded 146 seizures during the period, including foreign parboiled rice, cannabis, footwear, petroleum products, tyres and other prohibited goods.

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Among the major interceptions highlighted was the seizure of 2,427 smuggled pneumatic tyres concealed in a truck bearing registration number ENU-660-XY.

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Afeni said the vehicle, intercepted along the Ijebu-Ode axis on June 3, carried a conspicuous “For Sale” inscription intended to divert the attention of Customs officers.

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“A thorough physical examination revealed that the vehicle was conveying 2,427 pieces of smuggled pneumatic tyres,” he stated.

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In another operation, Customs operatives intercepted a truck loaded with 113 bags of foreign parboiled rice hidden beneath bags of cement along the Itori-Wasimi-Abeokuta corridor on June 16.

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According to Afeni, the driver attempted to evade arrest and endangered the lives of officers.

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“The driver ignored initial signals to stop and sped off, aggressively attempting to ram the patrol van. Demonstrating high professionalism, our officers successfully brought the vehicle to a halt and apprehended the driver,” he said.

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The suspect, he added, remains in custody and would be prosecuted upon completion of investigations.

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The Command also intercepted another truck carrying 630 bags of foreign parboiled rice along the Afamin-Igbogila axis on June 14, barely a month after Customs officers seized military camouflage uniforms on the Sagamu Expressway.

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Afeni warned that smuggling continued to pose a serious threat to local industries and employment generation.

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“Allowing uncustomed goods of this nature into our markets directly undermines and paralyses local industries, ultimately worsening unemployment among our teeming youth. We remain resolute in our mandate to protect the national economy and secure our land borders,” he said.

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A breakdown of seizures recorded within the period showed that Customs confiscated 2,807 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 9,482 parcels of cannabis sativa, 62 sacks of raw marijuana, 16,525 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 475 litres of diesel, 7,642 pairs of footwear, 2,427 pneumatic tyres, 63 sacks of foreign sugar, 73 bales of second-hand clothing, one used vehicle, 10 bags of fertiliser, 62 bags of imported flour, 32 cartons of frozen products and 100 sachets of tramadol.

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The Command said the cumulative Duty Paid Value of the seized items stood at ₦4,628,591,970.16.

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Afeni explained that most of the goods were confiscated because they were either prohibited imports or failed to comply with existing Customs regulations as provided under the Nigeria Customs Service Act.

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On export activities, the Acting Controller announced that the Command processed exports totalling 20,972 metric tonnes during the review period, with a Free-On-Board value of ₦1.049 billion.

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He described the performance as a major turnaround from the corresponding period in 2025 when no export activity was recorded.

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“The primary drivers of this export volume included white talc, crushed thermal coal and compressed natural gas (CNG),” he said.

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The Customs chief also highlighted efforts to strengthen border security through joint operations involving Nigerian and Beninese security agencies under the Joint Border Security Committee.

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He said coordinated raids were conducted on criminal hideouts and abandoned structures along the Idiroko-Igolo border in Ipokia Local Government Area.

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“These measures send a clear message to criminal elements to stay away. Under my leadership, our joint border security force alongside all security agencies and our Beninese counterparts remain united in ensuring that this zone is hostile and unfavourable for criminal activities,” Afeni stated.

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As part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration, the Command handed over 6,981 parcels of Cannabis Indica, popularly known as ‘Ghanaian Loud’, and 62 sacks of raw marijuana to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.

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The Command also transferred 77 cartons of Analgin injections containing 138,600 tubes and 1,000 tablets of tramadol to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

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According to Afeni, the handover underscores the commitment of Customs and sister agencies to combat illicit trade, drug trafficking and other trans-border crimes.

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He commended officers and men of the Command for their dedication and professionalism, while also expressing appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his support and leadership.

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Afeni further congratulated the Comptroller-General on the extension of his tenure, describing the development as a well-deserved recognition of his efforts in repositioning the Nigeria Customs Service in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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He also praised security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, the media and law-abiding citizens for supporting the Command’s operations and pledged sustained commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and borders.

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