Ogun Customs seizes ₦4.63bn contraband, boosts revenue by 238%

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated ₦259.78 million in revenue and seized contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦4.63 billion between April 1 and June 23, 2026.

Speaking during a press briefing in Idiroko, Ogun State, on Wednesday, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said the Command recorded a 238 per cent increase in revenue during the period under review.

Afeni disclosed that the ₦259.78 million was generated through baggage assessments, auctions of perishable items, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) charges and other approved revenue sources.

He noted that the figure represents an increase of ₦182.45 million over the ₦76.81 million collected during the corresponding period in 2025.

According to him, the growth was driven by stricter enforcement of import and export regulations as well as improved compliance among importers and clearing agents operating within the Command’s area of responsibility.

On anti-smuggling operations, Afeni said the Command recorded 146 seizures involving foreign parboiled rice, cannabis sativa, second-hand tyres, petroleum products, footwear, vehicles and other prohibited items.

He revealed that one of the major interceptions occurred on June 3 along the Ijebu-Ode axis, where officers intercepted a truck conveying 2,427 smuggled pneumatic tyres.

According to Afeni, the vehicle, bearing registration number ENU-660-XY, carried a deceptive “For Sale” inscription in an apparent attempt to evade customs scrutiny.

Afeni further disclosed that on June 16, customs operatives intercepted another truck loaded with 113 bags of foreign parboiled rice concealed beneath bags of cement along the Itori-Wasimi-Abeokuta Road.

He said the driver allegedly attempted to ram a patrol vehicle while trying to escape but was later apprehended.

He added that the Command also intercepted a truck carrying 630 bags of foreign rice along the Afamin-Igbogila axis on June 14, barely a month after customs officers seized military camouflage uniforms on the Sagamu Expressway.

Giving a breakdown of the seizures, Afeni said the contraband items had a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦4.63 billion and included 2,807 bags of foreign rice, 9,482 parcels of cannabis sativa, 62 sacks of raw marijuana, 16,525 litres of PMS, 475 litres of diesel, 7,642 pairs of footwear, 2,427 tyres, 63 sacks of foreign sugar, 73 bales of second-hand clothing, imported flour, fertiliser, frozen products and 1,000 tablets of Tramadol.

On export activities, Afeni described the Command’s performance as a major breakthrough, noting that it facilitated the export of 20,972 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦1.049 billion.

He said the exported products consisted mainly of white talc, crushed thermal coal and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), adding that no export activities were recorded during the same period in 2025.

According to Afeni, the development represents a significant contribution to cross-border trade and economic growth.

As part of ongoing collaboration with other government agencies, Afeni said the Command handed over 6,981 parcels of Cannabis Indica, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” and 62 sacks of raw marijuana to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

He added that 77 cartons of Analgin injections containing 138,600 tubes and 1,000 tablets of Tramadol were also transferred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for necessary regulatory action.

On border security, Afeni disclosed that a joint operation involving Nigerian and Beninese security agencies had intensified surveillance along the Idiroko-Igolo border corridor to curb smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

He warned criminal elements to stay away from the border area, stressing that security agencies remain vigilant and committed to protecting the nation’s economic interests.

Afeni commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to duty. He also congratulated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on the extension of his tenure.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to revenue generation, trade facilitation and the suppression of smuggling activities in line with the Federal Government’s economic and security objectives.