Ogun I Area Command Records Major Anti-Smuggling Breakthroughs, Seizes Contraband Worth Over ₦2bn

Ogun I Area Command Records Major Anti-Smuggling Breakthroughs, Seizes Contraband Worth Over ₦2bn

The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Controller Oladapo P. Afeni, has unveiled major achievements recorded by the command in the fight against smuggling and economic sabotage since assuming office.

Afeni disclosed this during his maiden press briefing, where he highlighted the command’s renewed commitment to border security, national economic stability and public health, in line with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

According to him, the command intercepted several trucks conveying prohibited and contraband items across different locations in Ogun State through intelligence-driven operations. He revealed that the total duty paid value (DPV) of all seizures stood at ₦2,006,008,982, with the vehicles and their contents forfeited to the Federal Government.

Among the notable interceptions was an illegal truck conveying 4,009 cartons of Duga-brand spaghetti and 419 cartons of Oba-brand spaghetti imported from Turkey, intercepted on December 12, 2025. Another truck carrying 2,200 kegs of vegetable oil of Indonesian origin was intercepted on December 13, 2025. Afeni stated that the combined DPV of the seized food items amounted to ₦291,260,000, while the trucks were valued at ₦220,200,000.

The controller further disclosed that the command also seized dangerous narcotics, including crystal meth, heroin and cannabis sativa, as well as premium motor spirit (PMS). He described the interception of hard drugs as particularly disturbing, noting their devastating effects on youths, public health and national security.

Afeni explained that the seizures were made possible through the effective deployment of technology, intelligence gathering and sustained collaboration with sister security agencies to dismantle organised trafficking networks operating along border corridors.

Despite being largely an enforcement-focused command, Afeni revealed that Ogun I Area Command generated ₦27,291,861 in revenue between December 1 and December 16, 2025. He attributed the achievement to the diligence of officers and men of the command, as well as the cooperation of compliant traders and stakeholders.

In line with inter-agency collaboration, the Acting Area Controller formally handed over seized narcotics, including crystal meth and cannabis sativa, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

He expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership, guidance and unwavering support, while commending officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their patriotism and dedication. Afeni also acknowledged the roles of sister agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, local informants and youths in supporting the command’s operations.

The acting controller equally commended the media for objective and patriotic reporting, assuring journalists of the command’s openness and continued engagement.

Afeni reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain the current momentum in the fight against smuggling, warning smugglers and their collaborators to steer clear of Ogun I Area Command.

“We remain vigilant, alert and prepared to confront any threat to national security and economic stability,” he said, adding that the command would continue to operate with integrity, courage and professionalism in line with its mandate and commitment to national development.