Customs Intercepts Smuggled Goods Worth ₦3.15bn in Ogun, Seizes 43 Consignments in 15 Days
By Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has recorded 43 seizures worth ₦3.15 billion in 15 days, intercepting cannabis, foreign rice, prohibited goods, unregistered drugs and 13 foreign-used vehicles in an intensified anti-smuggling crackdown.
The seizures, which included cannabis sativa, foreign parboiled rice, prohibited pasta, unregistered drugs, military camouflage face caps and 13 foreign-used vehicles, were recorded through intensified surveillance, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies.
The Acting Area Controller, DC Abdul Hamid Ibrahim disclosed this on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during his maiden press briefing in Idiroko, Ogun State, where he reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating smuggling, protecting public health and safeguarding the nation’s economic and security interests.
He said the command had recorded 43 seizures since he assumed office on September 29, 2026, stressing that the operations were part of efforts to enforce compliance with existing trade laws and regulations.
In his words, “in my inaugural speech I made it clear to economic saboteurs who may wish to test our resolve, that Ogun I command under my watch will not tolerate any form of economic sabotage.”
He added that he had pledged “to deploy all lawful means to combat smuggling and enforce compliance with extant trade laws and regulations and that our approach will be firm, fair, and intelligence-driven.”
Highlighting some of the major interceptions, Ibrahim said three trucks were intercepted on October 2, 2026, at about 4:30 a.m., following intelligence received by a patrol team.
According to him, the trucks were taken to the command headquarters in Idiroko for physical examination in line with Section 227 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The examination revealed that the first truck, a Sino Truck Howo with registration number MSW-232-XA, was conveying 2,740 cartons of foreign Siddo pasta concealed with 500 cartons of Oki condensed milk.
The second Howo truck, with registration number TFA-674-XA, contained 6,000 cartons of foreign Ginny pasta, while the third, an Iveco Elco truck with registration number KMC-702-ZR, was conveying 6,500 cartons of foreign Doga pasta.
The Acting Controller further disclosed that on October 4, 2026, at about 1:34 a.m., officers intercepted a Dangote truck with registration number FZE-552-DA along the Afamin-Dangote-Itori axis of Ogun State.
The vehicle was found to be conveying 100 bags of foreign parboiled rice concealed beneath mica and gypsum stones.
In another operation on October 11, 2026, the command intercepted a 10-tyre truck with registration number AKL-456-XL. A thorough examination revealed 321 army camouflage face caps and 27,831 assorted unregistered pharmaceutical products, including codeine cough syrup, injections, eye drops and supplements without National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration numbers.
Ibrahim described the interception of the drugs and restricted military camouflage items as significant, noting that both categories of goods posed serious risks to national security, public safety and human well-being.
He said the five trucks involved in the major interceptions, alongside their contents, had a combined value of ₦1.235 billion and would be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with Section 248 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Other seizures recorded during the period included 4,013 units of cannabis sativa, one wrap of Canadian Loud, 950 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 660 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, four bundles of used pneumatic tyres, 106 bales of second-hand clothing, 1,320 pairs of smuggled new shoes, 3,700 pairs of used shoes, 252 imported face caps and 1,250 foreign-used bags.
The command also intercepted 13 foreign-used vehicles, comprising Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, Toyota Venza, Lexus LX 600, Lexus ES 350, Toyota Camry XLE, Toyota Avensis Verso, Peugeot 406, Ford Galaxy and Nissan Almera models.
According to the Acting Controller, the total Duty Paid Value of all the seizures stood at ₦3,153,591,000, describing the development as evidence of the command’s resolve to tackle illicit trade and economic sabotage.
“For emphasis, the seizure of Cannabis Sativa is particularly worrisome, given their far-reaching impact on our youth, public health, and national security,” he said.
He added that the operations were aimed at removing illicit goods from circulation, protecting consumers and supporting local producers.
“Under the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi, our command is fully equipped and strategically deployed to neutralize illegal trade and dismantle smuggling operations across the region,” Ibrahim stated.
As part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, the command was also set to formally hand over the seized cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, for further action.
Ibrahim commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and support, while praising officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their dedication to the anti-smuggling campaign.
He also acknowledged the contributions of sister security agencies, traditional institutions and youths in supporting border operations, describing security as a collective responsibility.
Commending the media for its reportage, he urged continued cooperation in promoting public awareness of the dangers of smuggling.
The Acting Controller warned that the command would sustain its enforcement operations, stressing that smugglers and their collaborators would not be allowed to undermine the country’s economic and security interests.
“We remain vigilant, alert, and ready to confront any threat to the economic, and security interests of our nation,” he said, adding that the command would continue to operate with integrity, courage and professionalism in pursuit of national development.
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