Ogun Customs Sustain Anti-Smuggling Drive, Seize N120.2m Vegetable Oil

The Ogun I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, has sustained its anti-smuggling operations with the interception of 1,202 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil valued at N120.2 million.

The seizures were made during two intelligence-led operations conducted on March 19 and 24, 2026, under the leadership of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller O.O. Afeni.

The Command said the operation forms part of its ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and shield local vegetable oil producers from unfair competition posed by illicit imports.

According to Customs authorities, the seizures represent a boost to the nation’s economy, as removing smuggled goods from circulation helps protect domestic industries, encourage local manufacturing, and support employment.

The latest interception follows a series of similar operations by the Command, including the seizure of 2,539 kegs of vegetable oil (25kg each) on March 11, 2026, and 2,090 kegs (25kg each) on December 16, 2025.

In a related development, the Command handed over 285 sacks of mica stones weighing 50kg each and valued at N104.775 million to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

The handover, which took place at the Command Headquarters in Abeokuta, followed the interception of the minerals during a routine anti-smuggling operation, underscoring the Command’s expanded role in preventing the illegal export of solid minerals.

Customs noted that such illegal activities undermine regulatory frameworks and deprive the Federal Government of critical revenue.

Speaking during the handover, Afeni, who was represented by Assistant Comptroller E.K. Onyeasor, warned that the illicit trade in solid minerals poses a threat to both national security and economic stability.

He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to block illegal activities, stressing that the exercise reflects a whole-of-government approach through strengthened inter-agency collaboration.

Receiving the items, a representative of the Ministry, Engr. Ojediran Abimbola Olubumi, commended the Command for its vigilance and professionalism.

She disclosed that the seized mica would undergo further geological analysis and be incorporated into the national mineral database as part of efforts to reform and sanitise the mining sector.

Meanwhile, the Command also recorded significant progress in trade facilitation, posting a sharp rise in export performance for March 2026.

Data released by the Command showed that 277.8 metric tonnes of goods were exported in March 2026 with a Free On Board (FOB) value of $383,100, compared to 20 metric tonnes valued at $104,600 in March 2025—indicating a 266 per cent increase in value.

The Command attributed the growth to improved operational efficiency and intensified monitoring of the Idiroko border axis and adjoining creeks to prevent smuggling and illegal exportation.

Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Chado Zakari, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining surveillance and strengthening border security to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.