Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A luxury passenger bus transporting a large consignment of military camouflage uniforms, synthetic cannabis and other prohibited items has been intercepted by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko. The interception occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, 17 May 2026, along the Sagamu–Ore–Benin Expressway, a strategic corridor frequently used by criminal networks moving illicit goods between Lagos and the eastern part of the country. The vehicle, which had no registration plate, belonged to a transport company and was tracked from Lagos through several security checkpoints before it was finally stopped in Ogun State, based on intelligence‑driven surveillance.
Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed the details of the seizure during a press briefing on Monday, 25 May 2026, in Idiroko. He stated that the operation marked a strategic shift in enforcement tactics, focusing on intelligence‑led interventions along inland routes rather than solely at border posts. “Our network of informants and analysts worked tirelessly to track this specific threat using real‑time intelligence,” Afeni said. He warned that commercial transport operators were increasingly being used to move contraband goods along federal highways under the guise of legitimate business activities.
A 100% physical examination of the bus revealed a significant cache of military‑style apparel carefully concealed inside unmarked cartons. The items included 197 camouflage trousers and shorts, five two‑piece camouflage uniforms, 32 mixed camouflage innerwear and tops, and 32 camouflage inner wears. According to Afeni, preliminary investigations suggested that the military uniforms were intended for distribution to unauthorised persons and could have been used for impersonation or other criminal activities. “Unauthorised possession of military apparel is often linked to impersonation, where criminals disguise themselves as security personnel to commit atrocities or facilitate the movement of contraband,” he stressed.
In addition to the military regalia, customs operatives recovered a large quantity of synthetic drugs. The haul included 154 parcels of synthetic cannabis indica, commonly known as “Canadian Loud”; seven parcels of “Colorado,” another potent synthetic cannabis strain; and other uncustomed goods still undergoing investigation. Afeni estimated the street value of the combined seizure at over ₦259.68 million. He noted that the concealment of illicit drugs alongside military gear pointed to an organised attempt to threaten national security. “The combination of illicit drugs and military uniforms in a single consignment suggests a coordinated effort capable of undermining national security,” he said.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure and will be thoroughly investigated to uncover other members of the smuggling syndicate. In line with inter‑agency collaboration, the seized cannabis and the suspects were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and prosecution. Receiving the exhibits, NDLEA Commander Williams Ekundayo, represented by Deputy Commander Ganiyu Adeyooye, commended the customs operatives for the interception and assured that the agency would carry out a comprehensive investigation to bring all connected persons to justice.
The Sagamu–Ore–Benin Expressway has repeatedly been identified as a strategic route used by criminal networks operating across Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Edo States. Security analysts have warned that the increasing circulation of military camouflage among civilians could aid kidnappers, armed robbers and other violent groups operating from forested areas and rural settlements. The seizure coincided with renewed debate over the proliferation of unstructured armed groups and forest‑based security initiatives in the South‑West.
Afeni reiterated the command’s determination to sustain the crackdown on smuggling and cross‑border crimes within its area of responsibility. He urged members of the public to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and smuggling activities. “The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in ensuring that such materials do not fall into the hands of non‑state actors,” he said. He warned smugglers and criminal elements that customs operatives remain strategically positioned and highly motivated to combat all forms of cross‑border criminality.
The command’s recent achievements include the handover of 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica (Ghana Loud), weighing about 4,627 kg and valued at ₦5 billion, to the NDLEA. Within just five weeks of intensified anti‑smuggling operations, the command also seized 1,759 bags of foreign parboiled rice; 2,685 kegs of vegetable oil; 14,550 litres of petroleum products; and other prohibited items, with a total duty paid value of N6.777 billion.
As the investigation continues, the two suspects remain in custody while forensic analysis of the seized goods and further interrogation are expected to reveal the full scope of the smuggling network. The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to prevent the flow of illicit drugs and military‑grade apparel into communities, a threat that, if left unchecked, could significantly worsen the already fragile security situation in parts of the country.
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