By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted smuggled goods with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2.469 billion between August and September 2026.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the Ogun I Area Command Headquarters, Idiroko.
Afeni said the seizures were the result of intelligence-led operations, enhanced border surveillance and collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders.
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Items intercepted during the period included 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 3,893 parcels of cannabis weighing 1.878 tonnes, 428 pneumatic tyres, 8,675 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 24 bales of second-hand clothing, four sacks of used shoes and 500 litres of diesel.
According to him, the seizures had a combined DPV of N2,469,153,523.68.
One of the major highlights of the operation, he said, was the seizure of a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530 valued at N417,011,982.
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He said the vehicle was among the seizures made in the command’s efforts to curb smuggling and other forms of cross-border economic crimes.
Afeni also announced that 3,893 parcels of cannabis sativa seized by the command would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action.
He said the command had continued to balance anti-smuggling operations with trade facilitation, adding that officers had intensified duty collection, baggage assessment and physical examination at designated border points.
The acting controller said the command had also strengthened its import and export verification procedures to facilitate compliant trade while maintaining regulatory controls on sensitive goods.
He identified some of the regulated goods under close monitoring as micron stone, compressed natural gas (CNG), white talc and crushed thermal coal.
Stronger Inter-Agency Collaboration
Afeni described border security as a collective responsibility, noting that the command had sustained joint engagements and security meetings with relevant agencies.
He listed the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA and environmental management agencies among the organisations working with the command to combat cross-border crimes.
He added that the command had also maintained engagement with traditional rulers, youth leaders and border community associations to strengthen mutual trust and minimise tensions during enforcement operations.
On its corporate social responsibility and environmental initiatives, Afeni said the command remained committed to supporting community development and environmental stewardship alongside its core customs responsibilities.
He further disclosed that the command participated in the Inter-Command Athletic Competitions held in August and September 2026, emerging as champions in volleyball.
Commendation for Officers
Afeni attributed the command’s operational achievements to the dedication and resilience of its officers and men, as well as the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, and the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He commended officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their commitment to duty despite challenging operating conditions.
He also appreciated host communities, traditional rulers and media organisations for their cooperation and support.
The acting controller warned smugglers and other perpetrators of illegal border activities that the command would continue to intensify enforcement against uncustomed goods and illicit trade.
He said the command remained committed to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and national security.
