Customs Seizes Rolls-Royce, N1.4Billion Worth of Contraband in Ogun 1 Command
Kathy Kyari
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a luxury Rolls-Royce, thousands of bags of foreign rice, cannabis, and other prohibited items worth over ₦1.4 billion, in what has been described as one of the Command’s most remarkable anti-smuggling achievements in recent months.
Speaking at a press conference held at Idiroko on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, said the feat underscores the Command’s resolve to sustain the fight against smuggling and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all once again to Ogun I Area Command Headquarters, Idiroko, for this press briefing. Barely six weeks ago, precisely on 3 July 2025, I addressed you here on the significant seizures recorded by the Command, particularly in the areas of illicit drugs and their means of conveyance."
"At that time, I made a firm commitment that the Command under my leadership would not relent in combating the menace of smuggling, nor bow to the antics of recalcitrant economic saboteurs who undermine our nation’s economy and security,” Otunla stated.
According to the CAC, intelligence-driven operations by officers of the Command led to the interception of: 4,424 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to over seven truckloads), Cannabis sativa: 50 sacks and 1,936 parcels, 105 pieces of used pneumatic Tyres, 21 bales and 3 sacks of used clothing, Three foreign-used vehicles (“tokunbo”), including a Rolls-Royce worth billions of naira, 6,400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items was put at ₦1,401,531,923.95, which Otunla described as “a significant economic loss to smugglers but a huge gain to our national economy and security.”
Beyond anti-smuggling operations, the Command also posted a 27.47% revenue increase in July 2025, generating ₦45,054,191.00 compared to ₦35,327,852.00 in July 2024.
“This remarkable growth is a reflection of our enhanced compliance drive, improved monitoring of border activities, and robust stakeholder engagement,” the CAC noted.
In line with inter-agency collaboration, seized drugs were officially handed over to the Commander of the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation.
“This synergy is not only in compliance with government directives but also reinforces our collective determination to safeguard public health, ensure national security, and protect the future of our youths from the devastating effects of hard drugs,” Otunla said.
The CAC commended his officers for their “resilience and dedication,” praised sister security agencies for their support, and thanked border communities for providing credible intelligence.
He also reiterated the Command’s determination to remain a step ahead of smugglers.
“May I once again sound a clear warning to the smugglers and their collaborators: Ogun I Command will not relent. We remain vigilant, resolute, and unyielding. No matter the sophistication of your tricks, our officers will continue to thwart your antics, and we shall bring the full weight of the law against you.”
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