… Anti-smuggling operations intensify as Comptroller Shuaibu pledges support for legitimate trade and national development
Olayinka Akinpelu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has recorded a significant revenue boost, generating a total of ₦43,412,794.00 from import duty and auction sales of petroleum products intercepted during anti-smuggling operations in the first quarter of 2025.
Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, who disclosed this during a press briefing held on April 15 at the Command Headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State, revealed that the figure represents a substantial increase compared to the ₦7.6 million collected during the same period in 2024.
“This feat reflects our relentless commitment to combating smuggling while supporting legitimate trade,” Shuaibu said. “The revenue comprises duties from legitimate imports, export transactions under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), and assessments of baggage merchandise.”
In the area of anti-smuggling, the Command recorded 161 seizures within the quarter, amounting to a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦314,057,716.00. Items intercepted include:
- 7,242 bags of foreign parboiled rice (with 900 seized in a single operation),
- 535 kegs of 25-litre PMS (13,375 litres total),
- 3 single barrel guns, 100 live cartridges,
- Over 3,000 packages of Cannabis Sativa in varying sizes,
- 10 cartons of Amoxicillin,
- 4 used vehicles,
- 843 used pneumatic tyres, and
- 150 sacks of Indian hemp, among others.
Part of the intercepted cannabis has already been handed over to the NDLEA in Abeokuta, while more parcels were scheduled for formal transfer to the agency during the briefing.
Speaking further, Comptroller Shuaibu reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, having processed 329.6 metric tonnes of exports with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦266,966,642.00 between January and March 2025.
The Command also intensified its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Notably, it hosted the “Festival of Art for Economic Development” from February 8 to 15 with the theme “Cross-Border Trade: What it is and Why it Matters.” The week-long event used creative arts as a platform to promote economic development, border cooperation, and community engagement.
“As part of the Customs Cares agenda, we remain proactive in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations,” he noted. “Our approach is holistic—fighting smuggling while fostering a conducive environment for lawful businesses to thrive.”
Shuaibu also highlighted key engagements with security agencies, community leaders, and international counterparts. These included strategic meetings with the Benin Republic Police and Customs Service to reinforce bilateral border security and trade facilitation along the Igolo-Idiroko corridor.
“We are working towards the full revival of the Idiroko border to restore its economic vitality,” he declared, adding that engagements with stakeholders such as the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) have helped identify and address key trade bottlenecks.
While commending the Customs CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR) for his support and visionary leadership, Comptroller Shuaibu warned smugglers to desist from economic sabotage, vowing the Command’s unrelenting efforts in suppressing illicit trade.
“Our officers remain vigilant. We will continue to strengthen partnerships with traditional rulers, sister agencies, and communities to safeguard our economy,” he said.
The press conference drew participation from key stakeholders, security representatives, and media professionals who acknowledged the Command’s strides in balancing enforcement with facilitation.
Shuaibu concluded by thanking his officers, sister agencies, and the media for their unwavering cooperation and charged all well-meaning Nigerians to support Customs in the collective fight against smuggling
