By Destiny Obinna
The Ogun1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, has intercepted contraband with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2.469 billion between August 14 and September 17, 2026, in intensified anti-smuggling operations across the state.
The Acting Area Controller of the command, Deputy Controller Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this on Thursday during a media briefing at the command’s headquarters in Idiroko.
Afeni said the seizures were the result of intelligence-led operations, enhanced border surveillance and collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders.
He said the command had, since his assumption of office, focused on strengthening border security, suppressing smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade and deepening engagement with border communities.
“Since assuming leadership of this strategic command, my team has pursued a clear, unwavering mandate: to strengthen border security, suppress smuggling, facilitate legitimate trade and deepen stakeholder engagement across Ogun State,” he said.
According to him, the command remained committed to facilitating legitimate trade despite the economic challenges facing communities along the border.
He added that import and export verification processes had been strengthened to facilitate compliant trade while maintaining regulatory oversight over sensitive export commodities, including CNG, wild duck and crushed charcoal.
Giving details of the seizures, Afeni listed 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, 3,893 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 1.878 tonnes, 428 pneumatic tyres, 8,675 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 24 bales of second-hand clothing, four sacks of used shoes and 500 litres of diesel
He said the combined DPV of the seized items stood at N2,469,153,223.68
Afeni said the seizures demonstrated the command’s determination to prevent activities capable of undermining the economy and legitimate commerce.
“I make bold to say that Ogun 1 Command, under my leadership, between August 14 and date, our officers have intercepted substantial quantities of contraband, including foreign parboiled rice, PMS, used vehicles and new vehicles, narcotics and used clothing,” he said.
A major highlight of the operation was the seizure of a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530, valued at a DPV of N417,011,982.
Afeni expressed concern over the attempt to bring the high-value vehicle into the country without payment of the applicable customs duties.
“You can imagine someone could have money to buy this and omit its dues,” he said.
He stressed that the seizure demonstrated the command’s resolve to enforce customs laws regardless of the value of goods involved or the status of those behind them.
The command also handed over the 3,893 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighing 1.878 tonnes, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation.
Afeni emphasised the need for sustained cooperation among relevant government agencies to strengthen border security and combat illegal activities.
He attributed the command’s operational achievements to the dedication of its officers and men, as well as the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management team.
“These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication, resilience and integrity of our officers and men, as well as the unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the management team,” he said.
The acting controller commended the officers and men of the command for their commitment to duty despite challenging operating conditions.
He also appreciated traditional rulers, host communities and media organisations for their cooperation, while warning individuals involved in smuggling and other illegal border activities that the command would continue to enforce relevant laws.
“To the perpetrators of economic sabotage and illegal border activities, our message remains unequivocal,” he said.
