Ogun Customs seizes N4.6bn contraband, shields communities from dangerous goods, boosts revenue

Ogun Customs Records ₦4.63 Billion in Seizures Over Three Months

Ogun Customs Area Command has recorded seizures of contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value of ₦4.63 billion and generated ₦259.3 million in revenue within less than three months, as it intensified anti-smuggling operations across border communities in Ogun State. The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing journalists at Idiroko, Ogun State, during a review of the command's activities between April 1 and June 23, 2026.

Afeni said the seizures, which included rice, cannabis, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, used tyres and other prohibited items, were aimed at protecting communities from dangerous goods and safeguarding the nation's economy from the activities of smugglers. According to him, the command recorded 146 seizures during the period, with a cumulative Duty Paid Value of ₦4.63 billion.

Beyond revenue generation, we intensified anti-smuggling operations across key border corridors in Ogun State, leading to the interception of prohibited goods and dangerous substances capable of harming lives and undermining the economy.

— Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun Command

Revenue Up 238 Per Cent on Stricter Compliance Enforcement

The Customs boss disclosed that the command generated ₦259.3 million from baggage assessments, auction sales of perishable items, petroleum products and other statutory charges. He noted that the figure represented a 238 per cent increase over the ₦76.8 million generated during the corresponding period in 2025, attributing the rise to stricter compliance enforcement, enhanced monitoring of import and export activities and improved adherence by traders to customs regulations.

Disguised Truck With 2,427 Smuggled Tyres Intercepted

Among the major seizures recorded was a truck intercepted on June 3 along the Ijebu-Ode axis. The vehicle, disguised with a "For Sale" inscription, was found to be conveying 2,427 smuggled pneumatic tyres after a detailed inspection. Afeni described the seizure as significant, warning that the influx of substandard and used tyres poses serious dangers to road users.

The influx of substandard and used tyres contributes to road accidents, tyre blowouts and avoidable fatalities on our highways. Preventing such products from entering the market is part of our responsibility to protect lives.

— Oladapo Afeni

Rice Hidden Beneath Cement, Driver Allegedly Attempts to Flee

In another operation on June 16 along the Itori-Wasimi-Abeokuta route, Customs operatives intercepted a truck carrying 113 bags of foreign rice concealed beneath bags of cement. According to Afeni, the driver allegedly ignored orders to stop and attempted to endanger officers through reckless driving before he was eventually apprehended. He said investigations were ongoing and that the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law. The command also intercepted another truck conveying 630 bags of foreign rice along the Afamin-Igbogila axis.

Afeni expressed concern over the continued smuggling of food products through illegal border routes, warning that such activities undermine local industries and discourage investments. He stated that the command seized 2,807 bags of foreign rice, 9,482 parcels of cannabis sativa, 62 sacks of raw marijuana, 16,525 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 475 litres of diesel, 7,642 pairs of footwear, 63 sacks of sugar and 73 bales of used clothing during the review period. Other items seized included imported flour, frozen products, fertiliser, a used vehicle and tramadol tablets.

Exports Top ₦1.04 Billion, Inter-Agency Collaboration Strengthened

On export activities, Afeni said the command facilitated the movement of 20,972 metric tonnes of export commodities with a Free on Board value exceeding ₦1.04 billion. The exported commodities comprised white talc, crushed thermal coal and compressed natural gas products. He described the development as a major boost for non-oil exports and cross-border trade, noting that no export activity was recorded within the same period in 2025.

Afeni also highlighted the importance of collaboration among security and regulatory agencies operating at the borders. According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service worked closely with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and their counterparts in the Republic of Benin to strengthen border security. As part of the collaboration, the command handed over 6,981 parcels of cannabis and 62 sacks of raw marijuana to the NDLEA, while consignments of Analgin injections and tramadol tablets were transferred to NAFDAC for further investigation and regulatory action.

Afeni stressed that the anti-smuggling campaign was not merely about confiscating goods but about protecting the wider public interest.

Behind every seizure lies a larger public interest. Our fight against smuggling is about protecting legitimate businesses, safeguarding public health, preserving jobs, reducing criminal activities and ensuring that our borders do not become channels for dangerous products capable of endangering communities.

— Oladapo Afeni

He appealed to border residents, traders and other stakeholders to support the Nigeria Customs Service through intelligence sharing and compliance with trade regulations, noting that collective vigilance remains critical to enhancing national security, protecting local industries and driving sustainable economic growth.