… Ogun I Area Command seizes rice, narcotics, petroleum products and other contraband
… Command transfers 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of cannabis to NDLEA
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has intercepted smuggled goods with a duty-paid value of N3.57 billion in intensified operations across the state’s border corridors.
The Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this on Thursday at a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.
Afeni said the seizures followed intensified operations conducted from June 24, 2026, as part of efforts to disrupt smuggling activities, protect local industries and strengthen national security.
He said the command had stepped up surveillance and enforcement along the border routes, targeting individuals and syndicates involved in the illegal movement of goods.
Among the seized items were 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 cartons of basmati rice, 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica, 30 bags of foreign sugar weighing 50kg each, 11,450 litres of Premium Motor Spirit in kegs and 1,750 litres in drums.
Other seized items included 30 kegs of diesel, 100 bags of fertiliser, 67 bales of second-hand clothing, 47 cartons of cosmetics and 36 packages of hair accessories.
The command also intercepted 2,674 pieces of new trousers and shorts, 3,760 pieces of new tops, 480 cartons of drinks, 53 packages of oats, 85 fire extinguishers, 127 new purses and three packages of surgical shoes.
Afeni described smuggling as “economic sabotage”, warning that the illegal trade threatens local industries, employment and food security.
He expressed particular concern over the continued smuggling of foreign rice, saying it undermines investment in local farming and rice processing.
“When foreign rice is smuggled into our markets, it undermines our local farmers. Government and local entrepreneurs have invested billions to achieve self-sufficiency. Unimpeded smuggling forces local mills to close and leaves our farmers bankrupt,” he said.
He also warned that smuggled rice could pose health concerns where products are re-bagged under unhygienic conditions or stored for prolonged periods.
According to him, the impact of smuggling extends to employment, particularly in the agricultural sector.
“Agriculture is one of our largest employers of youth. By buying smuggled foreign grain, we export jobs to other countries while worsening unemployment at home,” Afeni said.
The command also disclosed that it had handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of raw cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency between January and August 2026.
Afeni said illicit drugs were linked to addiction, acute psychosis and violent crime, adding that proceeds from drug trafficking could also finance arms and human trafficking.
He made the disclosure while handing over seized narcotics to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Area Command.
Receiving the substances, the Deputy Commandant of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Area Command, Wole Fagbohun, described the handover as an indication of the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking and abuse.
He assured that the seized substances would be documented, investigated and handled according to established procedures.
Afeni also disclosed that the command generated more than N90 million in July 2026 through baggage assessments, auctions and other charges.
He said the command recorded 10,110 metric tonnes of exports, with a Free On Board value of N2.59 billion.
According to him, the exports were driven by commodities including white talc, crushed thermal coal and compressed natural gas.
Customs vows tougher crackdown
Afeni warned smugglers that the command would sustain its enforcement operations across Ogun’s border corridors.
“If you do not trade legitimately, we will seize your goods, impound your vehicles, and send you to prison,” he said.
He urged traditional rulers, youth leaders and residents of border communities to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities.
Afeni said community cooperation was essential to disrupting smuggling networks because residents often have useful information about activities taking place around border routes.
The latest seizures reflect the command’s continuing focus on preventing the movement of prohibited goods and illicit substances while supporting legitimate cross-border trade.
Afeni said the command would continue to enforce customs laws and collaborate with other security agencies to protect national economic interests and secure the nation’s borders.
