The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded an unprecedented anti-smuggling breakthrough, intercepting contraband goods with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦2,006,008,898.00 within just 11 days of the assumption of office by its new Customs Area Controller.
This milestone was disclosed on Tuesday, 17 December 2025, during the maiden press briefing of the Ag. Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, held at the Command headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.
Deputy Comptroller Afeni, who assumed office on 4th December 2025, described the seizures as the highest ever recorded within such a short period in the history of the Command, underscoring a renewed resolve to combat smuggling, economic sabotage, and trans-border crimes.
Addressing journalists, partner agencies, stakeholders, and officers of the Service, the Controller reaffirmed that the Command under his leadership would operate a zero-tolerance policy against smuggling, driven by intelligence, professionalism, and inter-agency collaboration.
“From my first day in office, I made it clear that Ogun I Command will not tolerate economic sabotage. Our strategy is firm, fair, intelligence-driven, and uncompromising,” he said.
He attributed the success to intensified surveillance, enhanced risk profiling, deployment of actionable intelligence, and cooperation with sister security agencies and host communities.
Among the notable interceptions were: An Iveco truck (RMY-354-XA) conveying 4,998 cartons of Doga Spaghetti (10kg) and 419 cartons of Oba Spaghetti (10kg) illegally imported from Turkey; A DAF truck (JHN-590-XA) carrying 2,200 kegs of 25-litre vegetable oil of Indonesian origin.
The combined DPV of the food items stood at ₦291,260,000, while the seized trucks used as means of conveyance were valued at ₦220,000,000. The Controller warned that such unregulated food imports pose grave health risks, having bypassed mandatory quality and safety checks.
Other seizures made across multiple locations in Ogun State included: Crystal Meth (Ice): 11 wraps (12kg); Heroin: 16 wraps (16kg); Cannabis Sativa: Donut size – 128 wraps, Coconut size – 2,752 wraps, Booklet size – 401 wraps, Totalling: 3,373 wraps weighing 1,502kg. Also Premium Motor Spirit (PMS): 6,750 litres; Foreign parboiled rice (50kg): 4,738 bags; Foreign-used vehicles: 2 units; Used pneumatic tyres: 309 bundles; Means of conveyance: 8 units. The seizures were recorded across the Idiroko/Owode, Ipokia, Imeko, Abeokuta, Lusada/Ado-Odo, and Abule-Kazeem/Igbo-Ora axes, among others.
Deputy Comptroller Afeni described the narcotics seizures as particularly alarming, given their implications for youth development, public health, and national security. Citing the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2025, he noted that cannabis remains the most abused illicit substance globally, with one in three users requiring treatment.
“These seizures are not just statistics; they represent lives saved and communities protected,” he stressed.
Despite being primarily an enforcement-driven Command, Ogun I Customs also generated ₦27,291,861.00 in revenue as of 16 December 2025, reflecting improved compliance by legitimate traders. In line with inter-agency protocols, the seized narcotics were formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Area Command.
Receiving the exhibits, NDLEA Commander Ekundayo Williams Omoniyi, on behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the Customs Controller for strengthening collaboration between both agencies. “This is a spectacular seizure. If these drugs had entered society, especially during this festive period, the consequences would have been devastating,” Omoniyi said, assuring that investigations would be intensified to trace and arrest those behind the consignment.
During an interactive session, the Controller disclosed that postings within the Command would be merit-based and performance-driven, adding that Customs operations under his watch would prioritize trade facilitation without compromising enforcement. “We rely heavily on intelligence. Legitimate trade will not be delayed, but contraband will not slip through,” he emphasized.
Deputy Comptroller Afeni expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his visionary leadership and support, while commending officers of Ogun I Command for their courage and dedication.
He also acknowledged the role of traditional institutions, community leaders, informants, youth groups, and the media in enhancing operational success.
Afeni issued a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators, declaring that Ogun I Command remains vigilant, proactive, and fully prepared to protect Nigeria’s economic and security interests. “Smugglers should steer clear of Ogun I Command. We will sustain this momentum with integrity, courage, and professionalism,” he said.
The press briefing was attended by representatives of sister agencies, key stakeholders, and officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.
