Ogun Customs Seizes N2.47bn Contraband, 1.87 Tonnes Cannabis, 2026 Range Rover

 Ogun Customs Seizes N2.47bn Contraband, 1.87 Tonnes Cannabis, 2026 Range Rover

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced seizures with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2.469 billion between August and September 2026, including 1.878 tonnes of cannabis, foreign parboiled rice, petroleum products, tyres and a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530.

The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Thursday at the Command's headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State, during a press conference on the operational achievements and performance review of the Command.

Afeni said the seizures were the outcome of intelligence-led enforcement operations aimed at strengthening border security, suppressing smuggling and protecting Nigeria's economic interests.

According to him, the Command intercepted 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 3,893 parcels of cannabis, weighing approximately 1.878 tonnes, 428 pneumatic tyres, 8,675 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in kegs, 24 bales of second-hand clothing, four sacks of used shoes and 500 litres of diesel.

He said the Command's anti-smuggling operations had continued to target illicit trade networks operating along the Ogun border corridors.

“One of the highlights of today's briefing is the seizure of a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530,” Afeni said, putting its stated value at N417,011,982,000.

Afeni also announced that 3,893 parcels of cannabis sativa would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action.

He said the Command had also sustained its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while enforcing customs regulations at designated border points.

According to him, officers deployed across the command's areas of jurisdiction carried out duty collection, baggage assessment and physical examination of consignments to boost revenue while ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.

He said the Command had strengthened verification procedures to facilitate compliant trade and maintained regulatory oversight over sensitive commodities and products, including Micra stone, compressed natural gas (CNG), white talc and crushed thermal cool.

Customs Strengthens Inter-Agency Collaboration

The Acting Controller said the Command had intensified collaboration with sister security agencies to tackle cross-border crimes and other security threats.

He listed the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA and environmental management agencies among the institutions with which the Command had strengthened operational cooperation.

He said the Command also held security meetings and joint engagements aimed at harmonising operations along the Ogun border corridors.

Afeni added that the Command maintained regular engagement with traditional rulers, youth leaders and border community associations to build trust and reduce tensions during enforcement operations.

He said the Command's activities also extended to corporate social responsibility and environmental initiatives aimed at supporting host communities.

On staff development and welfare, Afeni said the Command participated in inter-command athletic competitions held in August and September 2026, emerging as champion in volleyball.

He attributed the Command's operational achievements to the dedication of its officers and men and the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the NCS.

Afeni assured Nigerians that the Command would sustain its enforcement activities against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.

“To the perpetrators of economic sabotage and illegal border activities, our message remains unequivocal: Ogun I Command will continue to be a hostile zone for uncustomed goods and illicit trade,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Command's commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's economic interests and national security while creating an environment conducive to legitimate cross-border trade.