Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a major operational breakthrough in its ongoing fight against smuggling and transnational crime, following the interception of contraband goods valued at more than ₦2 billion across border corridors in Ogun State. The seizures, carried out by the Ogun I Area Command, represent one of the most significant enforcement successes in the zone in recent months and underscore renewed efforts by the Service to tighten border security and protect Nigeria’s economic and social interests.
The development was formally disclosed on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, by the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Oladapo Afeni, during his maiden press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko. Addressing journalists and senior stakeholders, Afeni revealed that the seizures were made within just two weeks of his assumption of office on December 4, 2025, describing the outcome as a clear signal of the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling.
According to Afeni, the success was driven by intensified intelligence-led operations, enhanced surveillance across key border routes, and stronger collaboration with sister security agencies as well as community stakeholders. He noted that smugglers operating along the Ogun border axis have become increasingly sophisticated, often exploiting porous routes and blending illicit consignments with legitimate trade, but stressed that Customs has adjusted its strategies to match evolving threats.
The intercepted items, he said, span a wide range of prohibited and restricted goods, including large quantities of food items, petroleum products, and illicit drugs. Among the seizures were thousands of bags of foreign parboiled rice, thousands of litres of Premium Motor Spirit, and a substantial haul of narcotics comprising crystal methamphetamine, heroin, and Cannabis Sativa. The combined Duty Paid Value of the seized items was placed at ₦2,006,008,898.00, highlighting the scale of the smuggling operations uncovered.
Afeni expressed particular concern about the continued smuggling of substandard and prohibited food items into the country, warning that such activities pose serious health risks to unsuspecting Nigerians. He accused unscrupulous traders of prioritising profit over public safety by deliberately importing goods that do not meet regulatory standards, often through illegal routes designed to evade inspection and quality control.
The Acting Controller also drew attention to the alarming volume of narcotics intercepted by the Command, describing the seizure of crystal methamphetamine and Cannabis Sativa as especially troubling. He warned that the circulation of such drugs fuels addiction, undermines public health, and threatens national security, particularly by exposing young people to destructive substances and strengthening criminal networks.
Beyond enforcement, Afeni disclosed that the Ogun I Area Command had generated ₦27,291,861.00 in revenue as of December 16, 2025, despite its designation as a largely enforcement-oriented command. He attributed the revenue performance to the diligence of officers and men of the Service, as well as the cooperation of compliant traders who adhere to customs regulations. The figure, he said, demonstrates that strict enforcement and legitimate trade facilitation can coexist.
He used the occasion to issue a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators, declaring that the Command remains vigilant and resolute in its mandate. Afeni emphasised that Customs officers under his leadership would continue to operate with professionalism and integrity, leaving no room for compromise in the protection of Nigeria’s borders, economy, and security architecture.
In line with established inter-agency protocols, the seized Cannabis Sativa was formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Idiroko Special Command. The handover, Customs officials explained, reflects ongoing collaboration between security agencies aimed at ensuring that seized narcotics are properly documented, investigated, and destroyed in accordance with national laws.
Security analysts have described the seizures as a significant blow to smuggling syndicates operating along the Ogun border, a corridor long regarded as a hotspot for illegal trade due to its proximity to neighbouring countries and extensive informal routes. They note that sustained intelligence-driven enforcement, coupled with community engagement, remains critical to dismantling entrenched networks that thrive on cross-border crime.
The Ogun operation comes amid broader efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service nationwide to modernise border management, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen partnerships with other security agencies. Recent months have seen increased emphasis on joint operations, technology-driven surveillance, and stricter internal discipline, as the Service seeks to balance revenue generation with its core enforcement responsibilities.
For residents and legitimate traders in border communities, the Customs action has been welcomed as a necessary step toward restoring order and fairness. Community leaders have repeatedly complained that unchecked smuggling distorts local markets, encourages criminality, and deprives the government of vital revenue needed for development.
As the Ogun I Area Command sustains its operations, Customs authorities say the message to smugglers is clear: illegal trade will not be tolerated, and border corridors will remain under constant watch. With renewed leadership and an aggressive enforcement posture, the Command says it is determined to maintain momentum and contribute meaningfully to national economic stability and security.
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