…intercepts 2,539 kegs of vegetable oil, rice, cannabis and other contraband
….Hands over drugs to NDLEA, antiquities to National Museum
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has announced the seizure of smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of about N1.35 billion, as part of renewed efforts to curb smuggling and protect Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking during a press conference at the command headquarters in Idiroko on Monday, the Acting Customs Area Controller, OO Afeni, said the seizures were recorded within the last six weeks following intensified intelligence-driven operations by officers of the command.
Afeni stated that the operations were in line with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs to strengthen border surveillance and suppress smuggling activities.
“It is a pleasure to host you once again at Idiroko. Just six weeks ago, on January 29, 2026, I committed this Command to a relentless campaign against smuggling and economic sabotage.
Today’s briefing serves as a progress report on that promise,” Afeni said.
According to him, one of the most significant seizures during the period was 2,539 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil (25 litres each) intercepted along the Agbara axis on March 11, 2026.
He explained that the vegetable oil was discovered in a truck with registration number APP-740-YD following credible intelligence.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the items were smuggled through the creeks in trickles. A full investigation is currently underway,” he said.
The Acting Controller also recalled that the command had earlier paraded 2,090 kegs of vegetable oil seized in December 2025, noting that the persistent smuggling of the product poses unfair competition to local producers.
In another operation on March 4, 2026, Afeni disclosed that officers intercepted a Sino truck loaded with 4,325 cartons of foreign spaghetti, each weighing 10 kilograms.
He said the development underscored a growing trend in the smuggling of essential commodities through the Ogun border corridor.
“This series of successful interventions underscores our unwavering commitment to suppressing smuggling. By removing these illicit goods from the market, we are ensuring a competitive trade environment that protects local industries and safeguards the health of our citizens,” Afeni said.
Other items seized within the review period include 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice equivalent to two trailer loads, 2,547 parcels of cannabis sativa, 545 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (13,625 litres), 50 bags of imported sugar, 36 cartons of Bardinet syrup, eight packs of perfume oil, 13 used tyres, and two used vehicles.
The command also intercepted eight bales and 15 sacks of second-hand clothing, five sacks of used handbags, two sacks of used footwear, as well as two pieces of antiquities.
Afeni added that four live pangolins were also rescued during the operations and subsequently handed over to a wildlife conservation organisation for proper care.
“As part of our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, we are formally transferring custody of the 2,547 parcels of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Idiroko Special Command,” he said.
He further disclosed that the seized antiquities had been transferred to the National Museum, Abeokuta, following expert appraisal to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
On revenue generation, the Customs boss said the command realised N285.65 million within the period under review through baggage assessments and auction sales of petroleum products intercepted during anti-smuggling operations.
He noted that the figure surpassed the N259.26 million generated during the same period in 2025.
“These revenues are derived from legitimate import and export activities, goods under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and assessment of merchandise in baggage,” he explained.
Afeni also revealed that the command recorded a major improvement in export activities, moving 95 metric tons of goods valued at N305.7 million Free on Board (FOB) within the period.
“This represents a significant year-on-year improvement compared to the same period in 2025 when the command recorded zero export trade,” he said.
He warned smugglers and economic saboteurs to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the command remained strategically positioned to dismantle smuggling networks operating along the border.
“Smugglers may try new tactics to evade our checks, but they will remain unsuccessful. Between our high-level intelligence and strategic monitoring, we are always one step ahead,” Afeni declared.
The Acting Controller also commended traditional rulers, host communities, and the media for their support in the ongoing fight against smuggling.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing federal government fiscal policies while facilitating legitimate trade and strengthening collaboration with other security agencies.
“We will continue to encourage compliant traders while sustaining the fight against smugglers in the overall interest of Nigeria’s socio-economic prosperity,” he said.
