Attacks Are Results Of Heightened Anti-smuggling Activities By Customs At Ogun/ Idiroko Axis — Afeni
Attacks Are Results Of Heightened Anti-smuggling Activities By Customs At Ogun/ Idiroko Axis — Afeni
…as MAJAN pledges support
By Jerry Aguigbo
The Acting Area Controller of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, has declared that smugglers operating along the Idiroko axis are consequences of a heightened Anti-smuggling activities at Ogun and Idiroko axis. “They feeling the heat” as the command intensifies enforcement operations to suppress smuggling activities to the barest minimum.
Afeni made this known on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when members of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) paid a courtesy/ Solidarity visit to the command headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.
While speaking with MAJAN Exco members, the Acting Controller described Ogun 1 Command as primarily an enforcement zone, stressing that its core mandate is to deter smugglers and prevent illicit cross-border trade.
“Ogun 1 Command is an enforcement zone, and our primary duty is to deter smugglers or would-be smugglers from perpetrating their illicit acts. In an environment of operational enforcement, clashes and frictions are not unexpected, but the focus must always be on the result — suppressing smuggling to the barest minimum,” Afeni said.
He disclosed that operational pressure mounted by Customs officers had recently triggered violent resistance, including attacks on officers in the line of duty. According to him, an officer was attacked earlier the same day, a development he described as a sign that smugglers were under pressure.
“You don’t have attacks if officers are not doing what they are supposed to do. The pressure is getting to them, and that is why they are reacting,” he stated.
Ag. Controller Afeni called on the media to support the command by helping to educate the public on the dangers of smuggling, noting that smuggling undermines the economy and turns Nigeria into a dumping ground for prohibited goods.
“Smuggling does not do anybody any good. Nigeria cannot be turned into a dumping ground. Government has banned certain items so that domestic industries can thrive. If we keep importing, we make the economy docile. The focus now is on production and exportation,” he explained.
Stressing that the command’s operations are guided by established rules of engagement, adding that while some level of force may be inevitable in enforcing the law, Customs officers act strictly within legal boundaries.
Narrating a recent incident, Afeni said officers arrested smugglers conveying bags of rice on motorcycles in a bush path and seized 46 bags of rice. However, about 40 kilometres away from the scene, they were ambushed by suspected land grabbers who allegedly specialise in intercepting seized goods from Customs officers and disposing the real owners of such items.
“Our officers resisted them, and they opened fire. You saw the pellets on our vehicles and injuries to officers. In such a situation, where lives are in danger, the law allows officers to defend themselves,” he said.
He revealed that the command had adopted a “carrot and stick” approach, engaging opinion leaders and traditional rulers to caution their subjects against attacking Customs officers.
He warned smugglers to stay clear of the Ogun1 area. “Nobody should attack our officers in the course of their legitimate duty. We are engaging traditional leaders to help educate their people,” Afeni added.
Afeni also noted that security challenges in the area are compounded by its trans-border nature, limited security presence, and difficult terrain, adding that criminals often flee across the border after carrying out attacks.
“Idiroko is a unique terrain. Sometimes when you clamp down here, the criminals shift to the other side. That is why this is a trans-border issue,” Afeni said, recalling a remark by a former Comptroller who described the Command as “one day, one trouble.”
On inter-agency and cross-border cooperation, the CAC disclosed that joint security meetings are held regularly, including engagements with sister agencies and neighbouring Benin Republic authorities, as investigations into recent attacks continue.
“This is not just a Nigerian problem. We are working with other agencies and partners to manage the situation. Smuggling has become a business for some people here, but we are applying both dialogue and enforcement — the carrot and the stick,” he added.
He acknowledged the socio-economic challenges in the area, noting that many residents see smuggling as a means of livelihood rather than a crime.
“People see smuggling here as a business. They don’t see it as a crime. Smuggling is the mother of all crimes. But despite the situation, the job must be done. We have the full backing of Customs management,” he stressed.
He emphasized that the Idiroko border remains open for legitimate trade, describing it as the only officially open land border in the area, but lamented the presence of over 1,000 unapproved routes which smugglers exploit.
“We can’t be everywhere, so we rely heavily on intelligence. That is why most of our seizures are high-quality seizures,” he said.
He added that a joint security meeting was held in January with sister agencies, including counterparts in the Benin Republic, to strengthen intelligence.
Also speaking, the command’s Legal Officer, Ogar, said the Ogun 1 Command had ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects aimed at fostering cordial relations with host communities, including interventions in schools and community programmes.
“The people fighting us are those engaged in economic sabotage. The average resident in Ipokia, Ayetoro and surrounding areas is happy with us,” he said. Ogar also highlighted the command’s sponsorship of an annual art exhibition in the area as part of efforts to promote peace and community engagement, adding that Customs remains committed to doing more in the area of security, revenue generation and CSR.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria, Mr. Jerry Aguigbo, stated that the Association came to felicitate the Acting Controller on his new posting and to assure him of the association’s commitment to support the command with accurate reportage and as well strengthen the existing cordial relationship between MAJAN and the Ogun 1 Command, while showing solidarity with the Controller at this point in time.
Aguigbo noted that MAJAN, publishers of The Powerful Pen newspaper, has consistently supported the command through accurate reporting and information dissemination.
He said “We have always maintained a cordial relationship with your predecessors, and we want it to continue. We know there are challenges, and we want to be part of your success story because we are sure you will succeed here.
About Post Author
