Anti-smuggling war intensifies as Ogun Customs intercepts ₦6.7bn contraband

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its anti-smuggling operations with the interception of cannabis, foreign rice, petroleum products, vegetable oil, and other prohibited goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦6.77 billion.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Comptroller O.O. Afeni, disclosed the seizures during a press briefing held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Idiroko, Ogun State.

Afeni said the command recorded the seizures within 41 days through renewed intelligence-led enforcement operations aimed at securing Nigeria’s land borders, dismantling smuggling syndicates, and protecting the national economy.

According to him, the command made a total of 73 seizures during the period, including 1,759 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice and 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica, popularly known as Ghana Loud, weighing 4,627 kilograms with an estimated street value exceeding ₦5 billion.

He recalled that the command had earlier, on March 16, 2026, handed over 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Special Command in Idiroko as part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration against illicit drug trafficking.

Other intercepted items include 2,685 kegs of vegetable oil, 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 66 bales of second-hand clothing, 46 bags of foreign sugar, 77 cartons of Analgin injections without NAFDAC registration, 50 cartons of expired seasoning cubes, used vehicles, footwear, handbags, cartons of basmati rice, and organic honey.

In a related development, the command also rescued six live pangolins, which were subsequently handed over to relevant authorities, highlighting Customs’ continued role in combating wildlife trafficking in line with international environmental protocols.

Afeni warned that cannabis abuse remains a serious threat to public safety and national security, linking its growing circulation to crimes such as kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, armed robbery, and banditry.

He disclosed that from January to date, the command has removed over 26,000 parcels of cannabis from circulation, describing the seizures as strategic interventions to reduce drug-related crimes and social harm.

On rice smuggling, Afeni reiterated that the Federal Government’s continued restriction on rice importation through land borders is intended to boost local production, support farmers, and reduce dependence on imports.

He also highlighted the command’s clampdown on vegetable oil smuggling, revealing that officers intercepted a DAF truck carrying 2,185 kegs of vegetable oil along the Shagamu Interchange–Ogere Road on May 5, following intelligence-driven surveillance.

According to him, excessive importation of vegetable oil undermines local manufacturers, contributes to job losses, and may expose consumers to substandard or adulterated products. Since assuming office, he said the command has seized 12,271 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil.

Beyond anti-smuggling operations, the command generated ₦125.43 million in revenue between March 16 and May 12, 2026, through baggage assessments and the auction of seized petroleum products.

Afeni further disclosed that the command facilitated the export of 95 metric tonnes of goods valued at over ₦1 billion Free on Board (FOB), reflecting growing trade activity within its operational corridor.

He said the command has commenced the deployment of advanced geospatial technology as part of the modernisation drive championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to strengthen border surveillance and improve enforcement efficiency.

The acting controller commended sister agencies, including the Department of State Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, Police, and NDLEA, for their continued collaboration in tackling smuggling and cross-border crimes across Ogun State.