… intercepts Contraband goods with Over Six Billion Duty Paid Value
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has uncovered what officials described as a dangerous web of drug trafficking and economic sabotage operating through border communities in Ogun State, with authorities warning that thousands of young Nigerians could have fallen victim to hard drugs if the latest interceptions had slipped through.
Speaking during a press briefing in Idiroko on Tuesday, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Oladapo Afeni, disclosed that the Command intercepted 73 seizures within 41 days, including over 10,000 parcels of cannabis indica, popularly known as “Ghana Loud,” with an estimated street value exceeding N5 billion.
Afeni said the seizures reflected intensified intelligence operations and renewed collaboration with security agencies aimed at dismantling smuggling networks threatening the nation’s economy and public safety.
According to him, the Command seized 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica weighing about 4,627 kilograms, in addition to 26 sacks of raw cannabis sativa, warning that the growing circulation of narcotics among youths poses severe social and security dangers.
“From January to date, we have taken 26,002 parcels of cannabis off the streets. This is beyond ordinary seizure. It is a preventive measure against a looming drug crisis,” he said.
He warned that widespread abuse of cannabis fuels crimes such as armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, while also worsening mental health challenges and putting pressure on already overstretched rehabilitation centres.
The Customs boss recalled that the Command had earlier handed over 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in March, stressing that officers refused to relent after that operation but instead strengthened surveillance and intelligence gathering across border routes.
Beyond narcotics, the Command also intercepted 1,759 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 2,685 kegs of vegetable oil, over 14,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, cartons of unregistered Analgin injections, expired food products and second-hand clothing.
Afeni noted that the total Duty Paid Value of all seized items stood at N6.77 billion.
He particularly raised concern over the smuggling of vegetable oil and pharmaceutical products, describing them as silent threats to public health and local industries.
According to him, officers intercepted a truck loaded with 2,185 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil along the Sagamu Interchange/Ogere corridor during an intelligence-led patrol operation.
He warned that excessive importation of foreign vegetable oil was crippling local producers and exposing consumers to potentially harmful products processed without proper regulation.
“The most immediate victims are local farmers and refiners who are being forced out of business. There are also public health concerns because some of these products may contain harmful substances and trans fats,” he stated.
In another major interception, Customs operatives discovered 77 cartons of Analgin injections without NAFDAC registration numbers alongside expired seasoning cubes and other prohibited items concealed in a Volvo truck.
Afeni said the Command was now shifting fully towards intelligence-driven border management through the deployment of advanced geospatial technology in line with the modernisation agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He explained that the technology would help authorities monitor smuggling flashpoints more effectively while reducing unnecessary checkpoints and facilitating smoother movement for legitimate traders.
Despite the anti-smuggling crackdown, the Command generated over N125.4 million through baggage assessment and auction of seized petroleum products between March and May 2026.
Afeni also revealed that the Command facilitated exports valued at over N1 billion within the same period, expressing optimism that legitimate cross-border trade was gradually improving.
He commended officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, the NDLEA, DSS, Police, Immigration Service and other security agencies for their collaboration in tackling trans-border crimes.
The Customs Area Controller urged residents and traders in border communities to support security agencies with credible information, insisting that collective vigilance remained critical to protecting the economy and safeguarding the future of Nigerian youths.
