Ogun Customs Seizes ₦6.7bn Contraband, Intercepts 10,126 Parcels of Cannabis in Five Weeks
Kathy Kyari
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, intercepting contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦6.7 billion within five weeks, including 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica popularly known as “Ghana Loud.”
Addressing journalists in Idiroko on Tuesday during a press briefing, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller OO Afeni, said the Command recorded 73 seizures in 41 days through enhanced intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.
Afeni said the Command remained resolute in dismantling smuggling networks operating within its Area of Responsibility (AoR), stressing that Ogun State would continue to be “a hostile environment for those who seek to undermine our economic stability.”
“We are gathered once again to provide a progress report on our relentless pursuit of economic saboteurs through our Area of Responsibility,” he said.
“The Ogun I Area Command under my leadership remains steadfast in its mission to secure our land borders, fortify the national economy, and dismantle illicit trade networks.”
He recalled that the Command had earlier handed over 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command on March 16, noting that officers intensified operations rather than retreating after the milestone seizure.
“Since the milestone, we did not retreat nor surrender, instead, we refined our tactics and re-strategise,” Afeni stated.
Among the intercepted items were 1,759 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 2,685 kegs of vegetable oil, 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 77 cartons of Analgin injection without NAFDAC registration, 66 bales of secondhand clothing, 858 packs of macaroni, expired food items, used vehicles, and six live pangolins already handed over to the appropriate agency.
The Customs boss disclosed that the 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica weighed about 4,627 kilograms and had an estimated street value exceeding ₦5 billion.
He warned that the proliferation of illicit drugs posed grave dangers to public health and national security.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Afeni further revealed that from January to date, the Command had intercepted 26,002 parcels of cannabis.
“This isn't just a seizure; it’s a preventive measure. Without this intervention, our society would face a wave of drug-related crises,” he added.
The Acting Controller also highlighted the economic implications of rice smuggling, insisting that the Federal Government’s land border restriction policy was aimed at boosting local production and protecting Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“Rice is a staple food eaten in many homes in the country. Its importation through the land borders was prohibited by the Federal Government of Nigeria to encourage local production and be self-sufficient,” he explained.
On vegetable oil smuggling, Afeni disclosed that officers intercepted a DAF truck loaded with 2,185 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil along the Shagamu Interchange/Ogere axis on May 5 following what he described as “precise intelligence patrol.”
According to him, the Command had so far seized 12,271 kegs of vegetable oil since his assumption of office.
“The heavy reliance on imported vegetable oil has a very destructive impact on our nation’s economic stability, public health, and agricultural future,” he said.
“The command under my watch is committed to upholding standards and protecting local jobs.”
Afeni also narrated the interception of a Volvo truck on May 7 carrying unregistered pharmaceuticals, expired food seasoning, rice, used clothing, footwears, handbags and vegetable oil.
Beyond anti-smuggling activities, the Ogun I Command generated ₦125.4 million between March 16 and May 12 through baggage assessment and auction of seized petroleum products.
The Command also facilitated the export of 95 metric tonnes of goods with a Free On Board (FOB) value of over ₦1 billion.
Afeni assured legitimate traders of continued cooperation from the Command while emphasizing that intelligence-driven operations had reduced complaints relating to multiple checkpoints along trade corridors.
“Security and trade are two sides of the same coin at the Command,” he said.
“We are not just catching smugglers; we are clearing the path for honest businesses.”
He further announced that the Command had commenced the deployment of advanced geospatial technology as part of efforts to modernize border enforcement operations in line with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“This transition marks a fundamental shift from traditional patrolling to intelligence-led operations, allowing us to monitor smuggling hotspots across our Area of Responsibility,” he stated.
The Acting Controller appreciated the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, sister security agencies, stakeholders, and officers of the Command for their contributions to the successes recorded.
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