Ogun I Customs Renews Onslaught Against Smugglers, Intercepts 73 Items With cumulative DPV Of N6.7 Billon Within 41 days
Ogun I Customs Renews Onslaught Against Smugglers, Intercepts 73 Items With cumulative DPV Of N6.7 Billon Within 41 days
By Jerry Aguigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Command has renewed Onslaught against economic saboteurs of the Nigerian economy complicit in nefarious Smuggling of prohibited and restricted goods through the borders. The clampdown has yeilded handsomely with 73 seizures of assorted products cumulatively worth N6,777,236,000 billon naira.
Leading this onslaught is the Area Controller of the Ogun I Command, Ag. Controller Olukayode O. Afeni who has committed to zero tolerance of prohibited imports,as he gave charge to his officers to spare no one and leave no stone unturned.
Some of the intercepted items include; 1,759 Bags of foreign parboiled rice, 50kg each .
10,126 parcels of cannabis indica of different sizes (Ghana Loud) equivalent of 4627 kg with estimated street value of over 5 billion naira.
2,685 kegs of Oki Vegetable Oil, 25 liters each
14,550 liters of Premium Motor Spirit in Jerry cans (Over a tanker load).
16 kegs of Oki Vegetable oil, 2 liters each
20 cartons of turkey Vegetable oil, 3 liters each,
10 cartons of Basmati rice, 21kg each.
216 cartons of Basmati rice, 20kg each,
205 packs of footwears,
26 Sacks of raw cannabis sativa,
66 Bales of secondhand clothing.
11 kegs of Diesel, 25 liters each
46 Bags of foreign Sugar, 25kg each
77 cartons of Analgin injection, 500mg (without NAFDAC Reg. Number).
Others were, 7 sacks of secondhand clothing, 2 Units of used Vehicles,
2 sacks of ladies’ handbags,16 cartons of Organic honey,
50 cartons of expired Maggi star,
858 Packs of Macaroni,
2 Sack of Spaghetti and
6 lives Pangolins already handed over to relevant agency for necessary action .
Afeni disclosed while briefing Journalists that the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items is N6,777,236,000 billon naira.
According to the Comptroller, “It is of essence to state that the aforementioned items were intercepted at different locations within Ogun State, with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of our intelligence.”
He highlighted the adverse effect of the seized items on the wellbeing of our citizenry, especially the cannabis sativa, foreign rice and vegetable oil. “Cannabis Sativa/Indica, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp is a psychoactive drug that is derived from the cannabis plant. It has a devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths. The rise in its abuses gives a great concern within the Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping terrorism and other vices.”
Continuing, Afeni said, “from January to date, we have taken 26,002 parcels of cannabis off the streets. This isn’t just a seizure; it’s a preventive measure. Without this intervention, our society would face a wave of drug-related crises that our already overstretched healthcare and rehab systems could have found difficult to grapple with. its availability would have spiked drug-related health issues and overwhelmed our strained psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities.
Rice is a staple food eaten in many homes in the country. It’s importation through the land borders was prohibited by the Federal Government of Nigerian (FGN) to encourage local production and be self-sufficient, as Nigeria is blessed with vast and fertile lands. This policy of the FGN may be perceived as difficult and unfriendly, but has a long-term great benefit when embraced. For instance, the much-appreciated foreign rice is a local produce in the countries of exportation, and these countries commenced their production with insignificant quantity before getting to their present commercial status. In a nutshell, the persistent smuggling of rice will continue to hamper our economic growth and development as a nation. Let us give the required support and cooperation to Nigeria Customs Service, and by extension to the FGN to improve our social security and economic wellbeing.
In our dedicated and determined zeal at frustrating the efforts of vegetable oil smugglers within our AOR, the command intercepted a DAF Truck with registration number MSA105XB along Shagamu-Interchange/Ogere road on Precise Intelligence Patrol on 5 MAY 26, 100% physical examination revealed it was laden with 2185 kegs of Oki vegetable oil at 25kg each. The heavy reliance on imported vegetable oil has a very destructive impact on our nation’s economic stability, public health, and agricultural future. The influx of foreign vegetable oil into the country is creating a ripple effect of negative consequences that demands immediate attention.
The most immediate victim of unbridled imports is the domestic producer. Local refineries and small holder farmers who are being squeezed out of the market.
Other ripple effects include job losses, public health risks, unregulated Standards which most at times increases the risk of consuming adulterated oil processed with harmful chemicals and high level of trans fats.
Recognizing these threads, since my assumption of duty, I have overhauled our enforcement tactics which has successfully resulted to seizure of 12,271 kegs of vegetable oil at 25litres each. The command under my watch is committed to upholding standards and protecting local jobs.
Furthermore, in efforts at keeping Nigeria and Nigerians safe, the command intercepted a Volvo Truck with Reg no ZUR 357 XC also on Precise Intelligence Patrol along Shagamu-Interchange/ Ogere road on 7 MAY 26. Subjecting the truck to 100% physical examination revealed the following;
77 cartons of Analgin injection 500mg without NAFDAC number
50 cartons of expired Maggi Cube,
226 sacks of Basmatic Rice,
2 sacks of ladies bag,
205 sacks of footwears,
36 cartons of vegetable oil,
16 cartons of organic honey and
7 sacks of used clothes.
Alongside its successful anti-smuggling operations, the Command, from 16 march 2026 up till this moment, 12 may 2026, generated and remitted into Federation account the sum of ₦125,430,757.00 in revenue through baggage assessment and the auction of seized petroleum products.
“We are pleased to note that cross-border trade is picking up gradually; my management team remains fully committed to resolving all the bottlenecks.”
Notably, the Command successfully facilitated the export of 95 metric tonnes with free on board (FOB) of One Billion Four Million Six Hundred and Forty-One Thousand Fifty-six Naira Nine Kobo (N1,004,641,056.09)
Afeni encouraged all compliant traders to remain steadfast and be assured of maximum cooperation. According to him, “our doors are widely open for consultation and required support. Security and trade are two sides of the same coin at the Command. We are utilizing intelligence to drive our operations; we are not just catching smugglers; we are clearing the path for honest businesses. The proof is on the road complaints regarding multiple checkpoints have disappeared, replaced by a streamlined corridor for legitimate commerce.”
The Comptroller praised the effort the CGC, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for their vision and innovation in handling the affairs of the Nigeria Customs Service which is yielding dividend.
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