Ogun 1 Customs records ₦2.47bn seizures in August, September, intercepts 2026 Range Rover

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded seizures with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦2.469 billion in August and September, including a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530 and various prohibited and restricted goods.

Other items intercepted by the Command include foreign parboiled rice, petroleum products, cannabis, pneumatic tyres and other contraband moved through the command’s area of responsibility.

The seizure of the 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530 emerged as one of the major highlights of the enforcement operations, underscoring the Command’s renewed focus on intercepting high-value items suspected to have been brought into the country in violation of import regulations.

The Customs Area Command said the seizures were the outcome of sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations and intensified surveillance along the land-border routes under its jurisdiction.

According to the Command, the intercepted goods were seized because of various infractions, including restrictions applicable to certain imported products and attempts to evade the payment of appropriate duties and taxes.

The Command stressed that its enforcement activities were not targeted at legitimate trade but were aimed at preventing the smuggling of prohibited and restricted goods while protecting government revenue and domestic economic interests.

The 2026 Range Rover, a high-value luxury sports utility vehicle, particularly highlights the revenue implications associated with attempts to circumvent established import procedures.

Beyond luxury vehicles, the seizure profile also included foreign parboiled rice, petroleum products, cannabis and pneumatic tyres, reflecting the diverse nature of smuggling activities confronting Customs along the land borders.

The Command said its operatives would continue to sustain intelligence gathering, patrols and collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies to check the movement of prohibited goods.

It also urged members of the public and legitimate traders to comply with import regulations and make use of approved channels for the movement of goods.

The latest seizures come amid continuing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen border enforcement while facilitating legitimate cross-border trade.

The Command maintained that the combination of intelligence-driven operations and improved surveillance would help reduce smuggling activities and protect government revenue.

It warned smugglers and other economic saboteurs against testing the resolve of its officers, stressing that Customs would continue to deploy available resources to detect and intercept illicit consignments.

The Command said the seized items remained subject to the relevant statutory processes, including investigation and possible forfeiture or disposal in line with applicable laws and regulations.