The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has intercepted 1,202 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil valued at ₦120.2 million in two intelligence-led operations conducted in March 2026.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Chado Zakari.
According to the statement, the seizures were made on March 19 and 24 as part of sustained efforts to combat smuggling and protect local industries from unfair competition.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller O.O. Afeni, was quoted as saying, “These seizures are a significant win for the Nigerian economy. By removing these illicit goods from the market, we are curbing unfair competition, protecting local manufacturers, and supporting domestic job creation.”
He added that the latest interceptions followed earlier seizures of 2,539 kegs of vegetable oil on March 11, 2026, and 2,090 kegs on December 16, 2025, underscoring intensified surveillance along the Idiroko border corridor.
In a related development, the Command handed over 285 sacks of mica stones, weighing 50kg each and valued at ₦104.7 million, to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
The minerals were intercepted during a routine anti-smuggling operation, highlighting the Command’s efforts to curb the illegal exportation of Nigeria’s solid minerals.
Represented by Assistant Comptroller E.K. Onyeasor at the handover ceremony, Afeni warned that illicit mineral trade poses serious risks to national development.
“The illegal trade in solid minerals poses a dual threat to national security and economic stability. The Ogun I Command under my leadership remains an impenetrable wall against the illicit outflow of our national wealth,” he said.
He added, “This handover is a testament to our ‘whole-of-government’ approach, ensuring that relevant agencies receive the necessary support to enforce environmental and mining laws.”
Receiving the items on behalf of the Ministry, Engr. Ojediran Abimbola Olubumi commended the Command for its vigilance and professionalism.
“We commend the Nigeria Customs Service for its alertness and commitment.
The seized mica will undergo further geological analysis and be integrated into the national mineral database as part of efforts to sanitise the mining sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Command reported a significant increase in export activities for March 2026, attributing the growth to improved trade facilitation and enhanced monitoring along the Idiroko border axis.
Afeni was quoted as saying, “The export volume for March 2026 showed a marked increase over the previous year, driven by enhanced processing efficiency and streamlined procedures.”
According to the statement, the Command processed 277.8 metric tonnes of exports valued at $383,100 in March 2026, compared to 20 metric tonnes valued at $104,600 recorded in March 2025.
“This represents a substantial increase and highlights our continuous success in monitoring the Idiroko border axis and surrounding creeks, ensuring all exit points are fortified against smuggling and other illicit activities,” Afeni added.
