Ogun Customs Intercepts Cannabis, Military Camouflage Worth ₦259.6m on Sagamu-Benin Highway
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has intercepted a luxury bus conveying military camouflage uniforms and large quantities of Cannabis Indica, popularly known as Canadian Loud and Colorado, with a combined street value of ₦259.68 million.
Speaking during a press conference held at the Command headquarters in Idiroko on Monday, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller OO Afeni, said the seizure was made following an intelligence-led operation along the Sagamu-Benin highway.
Afeni disclosed that the interception was carried out on May 17, 2026, at about 1:30 a.m. by officers on what he described as a “precise intelligence patrol.”
“In a decisive blow against smuggling networks, the Ogun I Area Command, under my watch has successfully made interceptions of significant consignment of illicit drugs and uncustomed goods.
"This operation underscores a strategic shift in enforcement tactics, prioritizing intelligence-led strikes within the nation’s inland,” he said.
According to him, the Command had intensified intelligence gathering operations to counter smugglers exploiting Nigeria’s vast land borders and highways.
“Our intelligence established that commercial transporters were being utilized to convey contraband via Federal highways under the guise of legitimate trade,” Afeni stated.
He explained that operatives trailed and intercepted the target luxury bus, which had no registration number, before moving it to the Command headquarters in Idiroko for a comprehensive examination.
Items recovered from the vehicle included 197 camouflage trousers and shorts concealed in unmarked cartons, five two-piece camouflage outfits, 32 camouflage inner wears, 32 camouflage tops, 154 coconut-sized packs of synthesized Cannabis Indica known as Canadian Loud, and seven parcels of Colorado strain cannabis.
Afeni said the seizure raised serious national security concerns due to the combination of illicit drugs and military regalia found in the same vehicle.
“The seizure of military uniforms is particularly concerning given the current security climate. Unauthorized possession of such apparel is often linked to impersonation, where criminals disguise themselves as security personnel to commit atrocities or facilitate the movement of contraband,” he said.
He added that preliminary investigations indicated that the uniforms were intended for distribution to unauthorized persons for possible criminal activities.
“This monumental seizure is very commendable against the backdrop of heightened insecurity in the land,” the Acting Controller noted.
On the drug interception, Afeni stressed that the operation reflected the Service’s commitment to the war against drug abuse and organized crime.
“Illicit drugs serve as a primary catalyst for crime and social instability, and removing these substances from our streets is a victory for public health and safety,” he said.
He further disclosed that two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure and would be handed over alongside the confiscated cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and prosecution.
Afeni reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain anti-smuggling operations across its area of responsibility.
“I have said this before and I will continue to say it that there is no retreat on the fight against smuggling in whatever guise,” Afeni declared.
“Finally, this seizure serves as a strong warning to others who may be contemplating similar misadventures, my message to them is simple; we will run you out of business.”
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