Customs intercepts ₦6.7bn worth of cannabis, other prohibited items in Ogun

By Adejoke Adeleye/ Ogun

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command said it has recorded a massive victory in the war against illicit trade with interception of a staggering 10,126 parcels of “Ghana Loud” cannabis indica and other prohibited items valued at over ₦6.7 billion.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller OO Afeni announced this during a press briefing held at the Idiroko border on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

He revealed that the specialized cannabis alone weighing approximately 4,627 kg carries an estimated street value of more than ₦5 billion.

Deputy Comptroller Afeni disclosed that the Command refined its intelligence tactics following a previous handover of narcotics in March. This re-strategization, he said, resulted in 73 seizures within just 41 days.

“We remain resolute in our duty to ensure that Ogun State and the nation remain a hostile environment for those who seek to undermine our economic stability,” Afeni stated.

He listed the seized items to include
10,126 parcels of Cannabis Indica (“Ghana Loud”) and 26 sacks of raw Cannabis Sativa, 1,759 bags of foreign rice (50kg each), 226 sacks of Basmati rice, and 858 packs of Macaron and 2,701 kegs of Oki and Turkey vegetable oil of various sizes.

The others are 14,550 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 77 cartons of Analgin injection (without NAFDAC registration) and 50 cartons of expired seasoning cubes.

The customs operatives also recovered six live Pangolins (handed over to relevant agencies), 73 bales/sacks of secondhand clothing, 205 packs of footwear, organic honey, and two used vehicles from smugglers.

The Controller highlighted the devastating social and economic impact of the seized goods.

He noted that the Command has taken a total of 26,002 parcels of cannabis off the streets since January, preventing a potential wave of drug-related crimes and mental health crises.

Regarding the seizure of 2,185 kegs of vegetable oil from a single DAF truck on May 5th, Afeni warned that unbridled imports are “squeezing out” local refineries and smallholder farmers.

“The influx of foreign vegetable oil increases the risk of consuming adulterated oil processed with harmful chemicals and high levels of trans fats,” he cautioned.

Despite the focus on enforcement, the Command reported a steady rise in legitimate trade. Between March 16 and May 12, 2026, the Command generated ₦125,430,757.00 in revenue through baggage assessments and auctions.

Furthermore, the Command facilitated the export of 95 metric tonnes of goods, with a Free on Board (FOB) value exceeding ₦1 billion.

Deputy Comptroller Afeni signaled that the Ogun I Area Command is entering a “new era of digital enforcement,” utilizing intelligence-driven operations to clear the path for honest businesses while dismantling organized smuggling networks.

“Security and trade are two sides of the same coin,” Afeni concluded. “Complaints regarding multiple checkpoints have disappeared, replaced by a streamlined corridor for legitimate commerce.”

The Command urged compliant traders to remain steadfast, assuring them of maximum cooperation and a “wide-open door” for consultation and support.