Ogun 1 Customs Seizes 3,893 Parcels of Cannabis, Range Rover Worth N417m
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has intercepted 3,893 parcels of cannabis weighing 1.878 tonnes and a 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530 in a renewed crackdown on smuggling along the nation’s land borders.
The Acting Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State, where he also handed over the seized cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.
Afeni said the seizures were recorded between August and September 2025, adding that the Command’s anti-smuggling operations had yielded a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2,469,153,523.68.
He said the latest operational achievements reflected the Command’s commitment to strengthening border security, suppressing smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade and deepening engagement with stakeholders across Ogun State.
According to him, the Command’s enforcement activities were driven by intelligence-led operations, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and strict regulatory oversight.
Afeni listed the items intercepted during the period to include 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 3,893 parcels of cannabis, 428 pneumatic tyres, 8,675 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in kegs, 24 bales of second-hand clothing, four sacks of used shoes and 500 litres of diesel in kegs.
He said the seizures demonstrated the Command’s resolve to protect the nation’s economy from illicit trade and cross-border smuggling.
“One of the highlights of today’s briefing is the seizure of a 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530 worth Four Hundred and Seventeen Million, Eleven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Two Naira (N417,011,982.00),” Afeni said.
He added that the Command would continue to sustain its enforcement drive against smugglers and other perpetrators of economic sabotage.
Afeni, in his operational review, said the Command had also maintained its focus on revenue generation and trade facilitation despite prevailing economic challenges along the land borders.
He explained that duty collection, baggage assessment and physical examinations at designated border points contributed to revenue generation, while import and export verification frameworks were optimised to facilitate compliant trade.
The Acting Controller said the Command had also sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA and environmental management agencies to combat cross-border crimes.
He noted that engagements with traditional rulers, youth leaders and border community associations had helped to build mutual trust and reduce hostility during enforcement operations.
Afeni further disclosed that the Command emerged as champion in volleyball during the Inter-Command Athletic Competitions held in August and September 2025.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management team for their support, while appreciating officers and men of the Command, host communities, traditional rulers and media partners for their contributions.
“To the perpetrators of economic sabotage and illegal border activities, our message remains unequivocal: Ogun I Command will continue to be a hostile zone for uncustomed goods and illicit trade,” Afeni said.
“We remain resolute in safeguarding Nigeria's economic interests and national security.”
Receiving the seized cannabis on behalf of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, the Commander of Narcotics, Commander Akande Oluwafemi, commended the Ogun I Custom Area Command for its contribution to the fight against drug trafficking.
Oluwafemi said the growing volume of illicit drugs entering the country required stronger collaboration among security agencies.
“When we heard him talking, since his assumption of office, we have been having it like this regularly. We discussed briefly yesterday when we both agreed that the numbers of hard drugs coming to the country is becoming alarming,” he said.
He attributed the development to the activities of what he described as bad elements seeking to undermine the country through drug trafficking.
“They are probably wishing our country to be dwelling in drugs. It will not happen. We have made Idiroko a no-go area, no passage for drugs. The Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA and other sister security agencies have joined together to say no to hard drugs coming into our country or using our country as a transit route,” he said.
Oluwafemi also commended the Customs officers for their dedication to the anti-drug campaign, noting that security agencies must work together to prevent illicit drugs from entering the country.
“I need to salute the Comptroller and his men for this dogged fight. We all know that NDLEA cannot be everywhere. Where the NDLEA has not been, Nigeria Customs Service is there. The Nigeria Police Force is there. The DSS is there,” he said.
“And what we are witnessing today is a result of synergy and a robust partnership between government agencies.”
The NDLEA commander, who spoke on behalf of the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd.), thanked the Customs Service for what he described as a show of patriotism.
“I say thank you on behalf of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa, retired. I say thank you to the Nigeria Customs Service for this show of patriotism to Nigeria. They are not only doing it for Nigeria; we are doing it for Nigerians,” he said.
He warned that the successful entry of the seized quantity of cannabis into the country would have posed a serious threat to the nation, particularly its youths.
“We all believe if this quantity and close to 20 tons that they've been able to intercept and hand it over to us finally get their way to the country, it will not be good news. We have enough that we are battling with. We should not add the issue of drugs to these issues,” Oluwafemi said.
Oluwafemi called on journalists, workers, host communities, religious organisations and other stakeholders to support the campaign against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
“I want to call on all of us here—the press, other Nigerians and Nigerians with good hearts to join this campaign. The campaign of coming together to take drugs out of our society and block the passage of drugs,” he said.
“When we have drugs within our system, we are playing with the future of the country.”
He further urged Nigerians to take collective responsibility for addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse among young people.
“Look at the number of youths abusing drugs now. As journalists, workers, members of host communities and other stakeholders, even in our religious houses, let’s join this campaign,” he said.
Oluwafemi said the NDLEA remained committed to raising awareness and sensitising the public on the dangers of drug abuse.
“The President and the present NDLEA administration, headed by Brigadier General Buba Marwa, believe in the war against drug abuse by trying to spread the news, campaigns and sensitisation,” he said.
“We are also urging everyone who is here today to join this campaign. Together, we can make Nigeria great.” He added
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