The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in Idiroko has seized contraband goods worth ₦4.63 billion from April to June. The command also generated ₦259.78 million during the same time frame.
At a press briefing in Idiroko on Wednesday, the acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said these achievements occurred between April 1 and June 23, 2026. This was part of efforts to enforce fiscal policies, support legitimate trade, and reduce smuggling along Nigeria's border.
Some of the items seized include 2,807 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 9,482 parcels of cannabis sativa, 62 sacks of raw marijuana, 16,525 litres of premium motor spirit in kegs, 475 litres of diesel, 7,642 pairs of shoes, 2,427 pneumatic tyres, and 63 sacks of foreign sugar, among others.
During the briefing, the command handed over 6,981 parcels of Cannabis Indica, known as 'Ghanaian loud,' and 62 sacks of raw marijuana to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command for further action. They also handed over illicit pharmaceuticals, including 77 cartons of Analgin injection containing 138,600 tubes and 100 sachets of Tramadol, with each sachet holding 1,000 tablets of 225mg each, to NAFDAC.
Afeni revealed that the Command earned ₦259,777,346.89 from baggage assessments, auctions of perishable items, petroleum products, and various charges during this period. This amount shows a significant rise compared to ₦76,814,207 collected during the same period in 2025.
"The Command collected revenue of ₦259,777,346.89 in the second quarter of 2026. This is an increase of ₦182,445,543.89 over what was collected in the same period of 2025, translating to a growth of 238 percent," Afeni said.
He attributed the increase to the hard work of officers and strict enforcement of import and export rules. "The difference recorded was due to our officers ensuring that importers and agents follow import and export guidelines as per our laws," he added.
The Command recorded 146 seizures during this time, including foreign parboiled rice, cannabis, shoes, petroleum products, tyres, and other banned goods. One notable interception was the seizure of 2,427 smuggled pneumatic tyres hidden in a truck with the registration number ENU-660-XY.
Afeni explained that the truck was intercepted along the Ijebu-Ode axis on June 3. The vehicle had a noticeable "For Sale" sign meant to distract Customs officers. "A thorough physical check showed that the truck was carrying 2,427 pieces of smuggled tyres," he said.
In another operation, Customs officers stopped a truck loaded with 113 bags of foreign parboiled rice hidden under bags of cement along the Itori-Wasimi-Abeokuta route on June 16. The driver tried to escape and put the lives of officers at risk.
"The driver ignored initial signals to stop and sped off, trying to ram into the patrol van. Thanks to our officers' professionalism, they managed to stop the vehicle and arrest the driver," he said. The suspect is in custody and will be prosecuted after investigations.
On June 14, Customs intercepted another truck carrying 630 bags of foreign parboiled rice along the Afamin-Igbogila route. This happened just a month after officers seized military camouflage uniforms on the Sagamu Expressway.
Afeni warned that smuggling is a serious threat to local businesses and job creation. "Letting uncustomed goods into our markets hurts local industries and increases unemployment among our youth. We are committed to protecting the national economy and securing our borders," he said.
A breakdown of the seizures during this period shows that Customs confiscated 2,807 bags of foreign parboiled 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 shoes, 2,427 pneumatic tyres, 63 sacks of foreign sugar, 73 bales of second-hand clothing, one used vehicle, 10 bags of fertilizer, 62 bags of imported flour, 32 cartons of frozen products, and 100 sachets of tramadol.
The total Duty Paid Value of the seized items is ₦4,628,591,970.16. Afeni explained that most goods were seized because they either violated import rules or did not comply with Customs regulations as stated in the Nigeria Customs Service Act.
On export activities, the Acting Controller announced that the Command processed 20,972 metric tonnes of exports during this review period, valued at ₦1.049 billion. This is a big change from the same time in 2025 when there was no export activity.
"The main exports included white talc, crushed thermal coal, and compressed natural gas (CNG)," he said. Afeni also spoke about efforts to improve border security through joint operations with Beninese security agencies under the Joint Border Security Committee.
He mentioned that coordinated raids were carried out on criminal hideouts and abandoned buildings along the Idiroko-Igolo border in Ipokia Local Government Area. "These actions send a clear message to criminals to stay away. Under my leadership, our joint border security force, along with all security agencies and our Beninese partners, remain united to ensure this area is tough for criminal activities," Afeni stated.
As part of ongoing collaboration, the Command handed over 6,981 parcels of Cannabis Indica and 62 sacks of raw marijuana to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation. They also transferred 77 cartons of Analgin injections and 1,000 tablets of tramadol to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
Afeni said this handover shows Customs' and partner agencies' commitment to fighting illegal trade, drug trafficking, and other cross-border crimes. He praised the officers for their dedication and professionalism, and thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his support and leadership.
Afeni congratulated the Comptroller-General on the extension of his tenure, calling it a well-deserved recognition of his efforts to improve the Nigeria Customs Service under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He also thanked security agencies, traditional leaders, community heads, the media, and law-abiding citizens for their support, promising to keep working to protect the country's economy and borders.
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