The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, has intercepted contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦4.63 billion and generated ₦259.78 million in revenue between April and June 2026.
Speaking during a press briefing in Idiroko on Wednesday, the Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said the achievements were recorded between April 1 and June 23, 2026, as part of intensified efforts to enforce government fiscal policies, facilitate legitimate trade and curb smuggling activities along the border corridor.
Among the items seized during the period were 2,807 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 9,482 parcels of cannabis sativa, 62 sacks of raw marijuana, 16,525 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 475 litres of diesel, 7,642 pairs of footwear, 2,427 pneumatic tyres, 63 sacks of foreign sugar and several other prohibited goods.
The command also handed over 6,981 parcels of Cannabis Indica, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” alongside 62 sacks of raw marijuana, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
In addition, illicit pharmaceutical products, including 77 cartons of Analgin injections containing 138,600 tubes and 1,000 tablets of tramadol, were transferred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Afeni disclosed that the command generated ₦259,777,346.89 from baggage assessments, auctions of perishable goods, petroleum products and other charges within the review period.
He noted that the figure represented a significant increase compared to the ₦76.8 million generated during the same period in 2025.
According to him, the revenue growth was driven by stricter compliance with import and export regulations and the commitment of officers to enforcing customs laws.
The command recorded a total of 146 seizures during the period, with one of the major interceptions involving 2,427 smuggled tyres concealed in a truck bearing registration number ENU-660-XY.
Afeni explained that the truck, intercepted along the Ijebu-Ode axis on June 3, carried a “For Sale” inscription in an attempt to divert the attention of Customs officers.
Another notable seizure occurred on June 16 when operatives intercepted a truck carrying 113 bags of foreign rice hidden beneath bags of cement along the Itori-Wasimi-Abeokuta route.
The driver reportedly attempted to evade arrest and tried to ram a Customs patrol vehicle before he was apprehended.
The command also intercepted another truck loaded with 630 bags of foreign rice along the Afamin-Igbogila axis on June 14.
Afeni warned that smuggling continues to undermine local industries and economic growth, stressing that unchecked inflow of illegal goods threatens employment opportunities and local production.
He stated that the cumulative Duty Paid Value of all seized items stood at ₦4,628,591,970.16.
On export activities, the acting controller revealed that the command processed 20,972 metric tonnes of exports valued at ₦1.049 billion during the period, marking a significant improvement from the same period in 2025 when no export activity was recorded.
Read Also:
FG Announces Major Mineral Discovery in Kaduna, Unveils Vast Lithium Reserves
The major export products included white talc, crushed thermal coal and compressed natural gas (CNG).
Afeni also highlighted ongoing collaboration with Nigerian and Beninese security agencies through the Joint Border Security Committee to strengthen border security and tackle trans-border crimes.
He said joint operations had been carried out in criminal hideouts and abandoned structures along the Idiroko-Igolo border area in Ogun State.
The Customs boss commended officers of the command for their professionalism and dedication, while also appreciating security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents for supporting the command’s anti-smuggling efforts.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to protecting the nation’s borders, boosting revenue generation and safeguarding the economy from illicit trade.
