— Seizes 2,339 bags of foreign rice, 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud, 13,200 litres of PMS
— Ogun Command hands over seized narcotics to NDLEA, records N90.06m revenue in July
By Peter Taiwo
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a large consignment of cannabis sativa, Ghana Loud and other prohibited items with a combined duty-paid value of N3.574 billion.
The Acting Customs Area Comptroller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Oladapo Afeni disclosed this on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.
Afeni said the briefing was organised to update the public on the command’s intensified anti-smuggling operations and to facilitate the formal handover of seized narcotics to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command.
He said the seizures were part of the command’s sustained campaign against smuggling and other cross-border criminal activities threatening Nigeria’s economic stability, health and national security.
According to him, smuggling should no longer be regarded as a harmless commercial activity or a means of survival, stressing that the practice has far-reaching consequences for the economy and society.
He particularly warned against the smuggling of foreign parboiled rice, saying it undermines local farmers, manufacturers and investors who have committed substantial resources to developing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The Customs chief said the influx of smuggled foreign rice into Nigerian markets could force local mills out of business, weaken agricultural investments and deprive farmers of sustainable income.
He also noted that agriculture remains a major source of employment, particularly for young Nigerians, warning that the purchase of smuggled products effectively exports jobs while worsening unemployment and poverty.
Afeni further raised concerns about the conditions under which some smuggled food products are stored and re-bagged, saying such practices could pose risks to consumers.
He said the command had intensified enforcement in line with the Federal Government’s agricultural development policies, particularly its efforts to promote local rice production and achieve greater food self-sufficiency.
Among the items seized and displayed by the command were 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 70 cartons of basmati rice.
The command also intercepted 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica, 30 bags of foreign sugar weighing 50 kilogrammes each, 11,450 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in kegs and 1,750 litres of PMS in drums.
Other seized items included 30 kegs of diesel, each containing 25 litres, 100 bags of fertiliser, 67 bales of second-hand clothing and 2,674 pieces of new shorts and trousers.
The seizures further comprised 3,760 pieces of new tops, 85 fire extinguishers, 480 cartons of Pure Haven drinks, 53 packages of oats, 47 cartons of cosmetics and 36 packages of hair accessories.
The command also intercepted three packages of surgical shoes and 127 pieces of new purses among other prohibited and improperly imported items.
The total duty-paid value of the seized goods, according to the Customs Area Controller, stood at N3,574,435,248.08.
Afeni said the interception of the narcotics was particularly significant because of the potential consequences of drug trafficking on young Nigerians, communities and national security.
He described Ghana Loud and other high-potency cannabis variants as dangerous substances capable of contributing to addiction and serious health and social problems.
He said the command had continued to work closely with other security agencies, stressing that the fight against drug trafficking required coordinated action rather than isolated efforts by individual agencies.
The Acting Comptroller formally handed over the seized narcotics to the Commander of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
He disclosed that from January 2026 to date, the Ogun I Command had handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of raw cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command.
Afeni also disclosed that the command generated N90,066,164 in July 2026 from baggage assessments, auctions of perishable items, PMS and other charges.
On export activities, he said the command recorded a total export volume of 10,110 metric tonnes, with a Free On Board (FOB) value of N2,594,078,654.
He identified white talc, crushed thermal coal and compressed natural gas (CNG) as some of the major drivers of the command’s export performance during the period.
The Customs chief warned smugglers and criminal syndicates that the Ogun I Command would continue to deploy intelligence, technology and enforcement operations to disrupt their activities, seize their goods and prosecute offenders.
He appealed to traditional rulers, youth leaders and residents of border communities to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities along border corridors.
Afeni also urged Nigerians to support local industries by patronising locally produced agricultural and manufactured goods, saying such support would create jobs, strengthen domestic production and promote food security.
He commended officers of the Ogun I Command for what he described as their gallantry, integrity and commitment to anti-smuggling operations.
The Acting Comptroller also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and support, assuring that the command would sustain the fight against smuggling and remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s borders and domestic economy.
