Ogun1 Customs Seizes N2.47bn Contraband, 3,893 Cannabis Parcels, 2026 Luxury Range Rover

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted smuggled goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2.469 billion between August and September 2026, as part of intensified efforts to curb illicit cross-border trade.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State, where he reviewed the operational performance of the Command.

Afeni said the seizures reflected the Command’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy and its determination to strengthen border security, suppress smuggling, and facilitate legitimate trade across Ogun State.

According to him, the seized items included 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 3,893 parcels of cannabis weighing 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 described the seizures as evidence of the Command’s “uncompromising zero-tolerance policy” towards activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s economy and national security.

Afeni also announced the seizure of a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530, which he said had a stated value of N417,011,982.

He said the luxury vehicle was among the highlights of the Command’s recent enforcement operations, adding that the seizure demonstrated the Command’s resolve to intercept high-value items involved in suspected illicit trade.

As part of inter-agency cooperation, the Command also handed over the 3,893 parcels of cannabis to the Idiroko Special Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.

The Acting Controller said the Command had sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, and environmental management agencies to combat cross-border crimes.

He added that the Command had also maintained regular engagements with traditional rulers, youth leaders, and border community associations to strengthen trust and reduce tensions associated with enforcement operations.

On trade facilitation, Afeni said the Command remained committed to ensuring that legitimate businesses operating through the land borders were not unnecessarily hindered.

He explained that duty collection, baggage assessment, physical examination, and improved import and export verification processes had been deployed to facilitate compliant trade while maintaining regulatory controls over sensitive goods.

He listed some of the regulated items receiving strict oversight as Micra stone, CNG, white talc, and crushed thermal coal.

Afeni further highlighted the Command’s community and institutional initiatives, including corporate social responsibility and environmental activities aimed at supporting host communities.

He said the Command also participated in inter-command athletic competitions held in August and September 2026, emerging as champion in volleyball, which he said helped promote physical fitness and camaraderie among security personnel.

The Acting Controller attributed the Command’s achievements to the dedication of its officers and men, as well as the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management team.

He assured stakeholders that the Ogun I Area Command would continue to strengthen enforcement and intelligence gathering while supporting legitimate trade.

“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,” Afeni said.

He urged stakeholders and host communities to continue supporting the Command’s efforts to protect Nigeria’s economic interests and national security.