Ogun Customs Seizes N4.63bn Contraband, Records 238% Revenue Growth in Three Months
Kathy Kyari
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major anti-smuggling breakthrough with seizures valued at N4.63 billion between April and June 2026, while also posting a 238 per cent increase in revenue collection during the period under review.
Speaking during a press briefing at Idiroko, Ogun State, on Wednesday, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed that the command generated N259.28 million between April 1 and June 23, 2026, compared to N76.81 million collected during the corresponding period in 2025.
According to him, the revenue performance represents an increase of N182.45 million, translating to a 238 per cent growth.
"The difference recorded was made possible as a result of resilience of officers in ensuring that importers and agents are made to adhere strictly to import/export guidelines in tandem with extant laws," Afeni said.
The controller noted that the command remained relentless in enforcing government fiscal policies and trade regulations, resulting in 146 seizures during the review period.
Among the seizures were 2,807 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 9,482 parcels of cannabis sativa, 62 sacks of raw marijuana, 16,525 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 7,642 pairs of footwear, 2,427 pneumatic tyres, 73 bales of second-hand clothing, imported pharmaceuticals, frozen products, sugar, flour and other prohibited items.
Highlighting some of the notable interceptions, Afeni revealed that on June 3, customs operatives intercepted a truck along the Ijebu-Ode axis conveying 2,427 smuggled pneumatic tyres.
"In line with our efforts to prevent fatal road crashes caused by the use of substandard, second-hand tyres, on 3rd June 2026, the command's patrol team covering Ijebu-Ode axis intercepted a wonder truck with Reg No ENU-660-XY, bearing a deceptive 'For Sale' inscription boldly written on the truck designed to divert the attention of our officers. A thorough physical examination revealed that the vehicle was conveying 2,427 pieces of smuggled pneumatic tyres," he said.
The controller further disclosed that on June 16, customs officers intercepted a truck loaded with 113 bags of foreign parboiled rice concealed beneath bags of cement along the Itori-Wasimi-Abeokuta axis.
"The driver ignored initial signal to stop and sped off, aggressively attempting to ram the patrol van and endangering the lives of our officers. Demonstrating high professionalism, our officers successfully brought the vehicle to a halt and apprehended the driver," he stated.
Afeni added that another truck carrying 630 bags of foreign rice was intercepted along the Afamin-Igbogila axis on June 14.
"Allowing uncustomed goods of this nature into our markets directly undermines and paralyses local industries, ultimately worsening unemployment among our teeming youth. We remain resolute in our mandate to protect the national economy and secure our land borders," he said.
He disclosed that the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seizures stood at N4.63 billion.
On export trade performance, the command recorded a total export volume of 20,972 metric tonnes with a Free On Board (FOB) value of N1.049 billion, compared to zero export activity recorded during the same period in 2025.
The exported products included white talc, crushed thermal coal and compressed natural gas (CNG).
As part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration, the command handed over 6,981 parcels of Cannabis Indica, popularly known as Ghanaian Loud, and 62 sacks of raw marijuana to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.
The command also transferred 77 cartons of Analgin injections containing 138,600 tubes and 100 sachets of Tramadol to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Afeni said the handovers underscored the strong synergy among security and regulatory agencies in combating illicit trade and safeguarding national security.
The controller also highlighted the command's role in strengthening border security through joint operations involving Nigerian and Beninese security agencies under the Joint Border Security Committee.
According to him, coordinated operations were carried out around criminal hideouts and abandoned structures along the Idiroko-Igolo border corridor in Ogun State.
"These measures send a clear message to criminal elements, both inside and outside our Area of Responsibility to stay away. Under my leadership, our joint border security force alongside all security agencies and our Beninese counterparts are all united and will ensure this zone remains entirely hostile and unfavourable for criminal activity," he said.
Afeni commended officers and men of the command for their professionalism and dedication, while expressing appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his continued support.
He also congratulated the Customs boss on the recent extension of his tenure, describing it as well deserved in view of his contributions to ongoing reforms within the service.
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