…Calls For Stakeholders collaboration to checkmate smuggling, illicit drugs
The Comptroller Godwin Otunla led Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 area command idiroko has again recorded a very significant breakthrough in its anti smuggling campaign as it intercepted Foreign Used Rolls Royce Ghost 2021 model, Worths Billions of Naira, Benz 4matic 2014 model, and Honda 2018.
Other items seized included,four thousands four hundred and twenty four bags of rice, fifty sacks and one thousand nine hundred and thirty six parcels of cannabis sativa coconut size, twenty one bales used clothing materials, one hundred and five pieces, and six thousand four hundred litres of premium motor spirit, popularly known as petrol.
The Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 area command, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, who disclosed this at a press briefing held in idiroko today, Thursday, August 21 explained that the seizures amounted to duty paid value of one billion, four hundred and one million, five hundred and thirty one thousand, nine hundred and twenty three naira, ninety five Kobo.
The Controller also announced revenue generation of forty five million, fifty four thousand, one hundred and ninety naira for the month of July 2025 which represents 27.47 percent increase compare to thirty five million ,three hundred and twenty seven thousand, eight hundred and fifty two naira generated in July 2024.
Comptroller Otunla while handing over the Cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said that the inter agency collaboration framework was not only in compliance with government directive ,but also part of the command’s determination to safeguard public health, ensure national security and protect the future of Nigerian youths from the devastating effects of hard drugs.
He therefore reaffirmed the commitment of the Command to improve more on intelligence sharing, collaborations and innovation in accordance with the thrust policy of the comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
According to the Controller, “Barely six weeks ago, precisely on 3 July 2025, I addressed you here on the significant seizures recorded by the Command, particularly in the areas of illicit drugs and their means of conveyance. At that time, I made a firm commitment that the Command under my leadership would not relent in combating the menace of smuggling, nor bow to the antics of recalcitrant economic saboteurs who undermine our nation’s economy and security.
a. Foreign Parboiled Rice of 50kg each 4,424 bags, which is over 7 truckloads.
b. Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana-50 sacks and 1,936 parcels of coconut size.
c. Used Pneumatic Tyres 105 pieces.
d. Used Clothing-21 bales and 3 sacks.
c. Foreign-Used Vehicles, commonly known as Tokunbo 3 units including a Rolls-Royce worth billions of Naira.
f. Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)-6,400 litres.
“The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the aforementioned seizures amounts to One Billion, Four Hundred and One Million, Five Hundred and Thirty-One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty-Three Naira, Ninety-Five Kobo 1,401,531,923.95, representing a significant economic loss to smugglers but a huge gain to our national economy and security.
“In addition to these anti-smuggling feats, the Command also sustained efforts in revenue generation. I am pleased to announce that in July 2025, Ogun I Area Command generated a total revenue of 45,054,191.00, which is higher than the 35,327,852.00 recorded in the corresponding month of 2024. This represents a commendable increase of 27.47%. This remarkable growth is a reflection of our enhanced compliance drive, improved monitoring of border activities, and robust stakeholder engagement.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, consistent with our inter-agency collaboration framework, the illicit drugs seized will today be handed over to the Commander of the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action.
“This synergy is not only in compliance with government directives but also reinforces our collective determination to safeguard public health, ensure national security, and protect the future of our youths from the devastating effects of hard drugs.
” I wish to use this opportunity to commend the gallant officers and men of Ogun 1 Area Command for their resilience and dedication. I also appreciate the support of our sister security agencies and the cooperation of patriotic members of the border communities who continue to provide credible intelligence to aid our operations.
” Let me reiterate that the fight against smuggling remains a collective responsibility. We shall continue to build on collaboration, intelligence sharing, and innovation, in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, dsm, fnipr, fniia psc(+), who has been consistent in his drive for consolidation, collaboration, and innovation.
“May I once again sound a clear warning to the smugglers and their collaborators: Ogun I Command will not relent. We remain vigilant, resolute, and unyielding. No matter the sophistication of your tricks, our officers will continue to thwart your antics, and we shall bring the full weight of the law against you.
” Gentlemen of the press, I thank you once again for your presence, cooperation, and consistent partnership in sensitizing the public on the dangers of smuggling. Together, we shall continue to protect our nation’s economy, secure our borders, and safeguard the lives of our citizens.” He Concluded
The NDLEA area commander, Idiroko command, Ekundayo Williams, while appreciating the customs for effective collaboration, he noted that the handing over of the seized canabis sativa made it the third time Ogun 1 Area Command of customs is handing over seized illicit drugs to the agency in the last two months,
