The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, has intercepted prohibited goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦2,469,153,223.68, including a 2025 brand new Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530 valued at ₦417,011,982.
The Command also seized 3,893 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 1.878 tonnes, 1,204 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice and other prohibited items in renewed operations against smuggling and illicit activities along the Ogun border corridor.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this during an operational briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko.
Afeni said the seizures were recorded from August 14, 2026 to date, following the deployment of intelligence-led enforcement strategies aimed at strengthening border security, suppressing smuggling and facilitating legitimate trade.
He said: “Since assuming leadership of this strategic command, my team has pursued a clear, unwavering mandate: to strengthen border security, suppress smuggling, facilitate legitimate trade and deepen stakeholder engagement across Ogun State.”
According to him, the Command’s strategies, intelligence-led enforcement and enhanced inter-agency collaboration had produced tangible results across its operational areas.
The Acting Controller listed the intercepted items as 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, 3,893 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 1.878 tonnes, 428 pneumatic tyres, 8,675 litres of PMS, 24 bales of second-hand clothing, four sacks of used shoes and 500 litres of diesel.
He said the Command had also maintained its commitment to legitimate trade facilitation while ensuring effective revenue collection through duty assessment, baggage examination and physical inspection at designated border points.
Comptroller Afeni added that import and export verification procedures had been enhanced to fast-track compliant transactions while maintaining strict regulatory oversight on sensitive goods and export commodities.
A major highlight of the operation was the seizure of the 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530, with a DPV of ₦417,011,982.
Speaking on the vehicle, Afeni said: “The Duty Paid Value is ₦417,011,982. You can imagine someone could have money to buy this and omit its dues.”
He warned that the Command would continue to frustrate attempts to evade statutory duties and undermine government revenue.
“Our message remains unequivocal to the perpetrators of economic sabotage and illegal border activities,” Afeni said.
He explained that the Command’s enforcement operations were being complemented by stronger cooperation with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, DSS and other security and regulatory agencies.
Meanwhile, the Customs handed over the seized 3,893 parcels of cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command for further investigation and appropriate action.
The Commander of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, Akande Olatunji while commending the Customs authorities, described the handover as another demonstration of effective inter-agency collaboration.
He said: “NDLEA cannot be everywhere. Where our men have not been, Nigerian Customs are there, Nigerian Police Force are there, DSS are there. What we are witnessing today is the synergy and the result of a robust partnership between government agencies.”
He disclosed that the two agencies had recently discussed concerns over the increasing quantity of illicit drugs being intercepted along the border corridor.
According to him, security agencies had resolved to make Idiroko a difficult route for drug traffickers.
“We have made Idiroko a no-go area, no passage for drugs. The Nigerian Customs, NDLEA and other sister security agencies have joined together to say no to hard drugs coming into our country or using our country as a transit route,” Akande said.
The NDLEA official commended Afeni and his officers for their contribution to the fight against drug trafficking, saying the volume of illicit drugs being intercepted could have had serious consequences if the consignments had reached the wider population.
“If this quantity, and close to 20 tons that they’ve been able to intercept and handed over to us, finally gets their way to the country, it will not be good news,” he said.
He urged Nigerians, including journalists, traditional institutions, religious organisations, workers and host communities, to join the campaign against drug abuse.
“When we have drugs within our system, we are playing with the future of the country,” he said, urging stakeholders to support sensitization, intelligence sharing and community-based campaigns against illicit drug use.
He also conveyed the appreciation of the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), CON, CFR, to the Ogun 1 Area Command for its cooperation and patriotism.
The Customs Command further disclosed that it had sustained engagements with traditional rulers, youth leaders and border community associations to build mutual trust and reduce hostilities during enforcement operations.
Afeni also highlighted the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility and environmental initiatives, as well as its participation in the Inter-Command Athletic Competition, where Ogun 1 Command emerged champion in volleyball.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his support and praised the officers and men of Ogun 1 Command for their resilience and dedication.
