Ogun I Customs Command Intercepts Arms, Ammunition, Cannabis Worth Over ₦300 Million
Kathy Kyari
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made major strides in its anti-smuggling operations, seizing contraband items including Dane guns, live cartridges, cannabis sativa, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), foreign parboiled rice, and used vehicles, all with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦344,853,244.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, revealed these developments during a media briefing, stating that the seizures were achieved through intensified surveillance, strategic intelligence deployment, and strengthened collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders.
He noted that since assuming office on April 24, 2025, the Command has prioritized vigilance, dedication, and operational synergy in its enforcement activities.
Otunla emphasized that the efforts were guided by the dynamic leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose vision and support have helped redefine customs operations nationwide.
Between April 24 and June 2025, the Command intercepted the following prohibited items: 1,037 parcels of coconut-sized cannabis sativa, 5 units of Dane guns, 88 rounds of live cartridges, 13,125 litres of PMS, 2,627 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to over four trailer loads), 4 units of foreign used vehicles, 7 units of means of conveyance vehicles, 29 bundles of used pneumatic tyres
The contraband was seized from various flashpoints across Ogun State, including the Lusada/Ado-Odo axis, Abule Kazeem/Igbo-Ora Road, Abeokuta axis, Imeko axis, Idiroko/Owode axis, and the Ipokia axis.
Of particular concern, according to Otunla, were the seizures involving cannabis and arms, due to their implications for national security, public health, and the well-being of the youth.
On revenue generation, the Controller disclosed that the Command had recorded a substantial boost. From a revenue figure of ₦10,621,250 before his assumption of office, the Command’s collections rose to ₦42,279,240 by the end of May 2025. He attributed the increase to a renewed commitment to blocking revenue leakages and ensuring compliance with trade regulations.
In line with inter-agency protocols, Otunla stated that the seized cannabis sativa would be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, while the arms and ammunition would be transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, Ogun State Command for further action.
He extended appreciation to Comptroller-General Adeniyi for his unwavering support and credited the success of recent operations to the gallant efforts of officers and units within the Ogun I Area Command. These include the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), Customs Police Unit (CPU), Deputy Comptroller of Revenue, Valuation Unit, and Technical Supervisor.
Acknowledging the broader network of collaboration, Otunla thanked sister security agencies, traditional institutions, local informants, community leaders, and the youth for their continued support in enhancing operational efficiency.
He also paid tribute to the late Oba John Olakunle Ojo (JP), the Oniko of Ikolaje-Idiroko Kingdom, whose reign contributed to peaceful coexistence in the region.
Otunla reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combat smuggling, warning perpetrators and their collaborators to steer clear of Ogun I Command. He pledged that under his leadership, the Command would continue to uphold integrity, courage, and professionalism in line with its national mandate.
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