The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has launched a crackdown on smuggling, seizing goods worth N6.043 billion, including 3,543 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 9,928 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica, and a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530 valued at N417 million. The command, led by Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, is using intelligence, technology, and frontline operations to disrupt smuggling networks and protect local businesses. Ogun's long border with Benin makes it a critical route for legitimate trade and a hotspot for smugglers.
Smuggling is not just a means of survival, but a threat to local businesses, jobs, and national security, Afeni said. The command is targeting smugglers who bring prohibited goods into Nigeria, including foreign parboiled rice that hurts local farmers and rice processors. Rice farmers in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions have invested heavily in production, while local rice mills have committed billions of naira to processing. The influx of smuggled foreign rice makes it difficult for local producers to compete.
The Customs chief raised concerns about the handling and storage of smuggled foreign rice, which is often re-bagged under unhygienic conditions or stored in warehouses for extended periods. Smugglers are adopting more sophisticated methods, using remote routes to move prohibited goods into Nigeria. The command is responding with intelligence gathering, technology, and stronger operations, Afeni said. The seizures made between July 17 and September 17 demonstrate the command's commitment to securing the border.
The Ogun I Command handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of raw Cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency's Idiroko Special Command between January and August 13. Afeni described the fight against drug trafficking as a joint responsibility among security agencies. The seized drugs represent a serious threat to communities, with millions of doses of devastation that could have fueled violent crime and ruined the lives of youth.
Customs is relying on information from border communities to fight smuggling, operating across communities including Ipokia, Yewa South, Yewa North, and Imeko-Afon. Intelligence from these communities, combined with technology and operational efforts, has helped disrupt the supply chains of smugglers. The command is also facilitating legitimate trade and supporting Nigeria's drive to increase non-oil exports, recording 10,110 metric tonnes of exports with a Free On Board value of N2.594 billion.
The major export commodities included white talc, crushed thermal coal, and Compressed Natural Gas, highlighting the potential of Ogun's border corridors to support Nigeria's non-oil economy. The command generated N180.066 million in two months through baggage assessments, auctions of perishable goods, PMS, and other charges. Afeni said the command would maintain pressure on smugglers, ensuring those caught with prohibited goods face the law.
The fight against smuggling requires sustained investment in border surveillance, intelligence, technology, and personnel, as well as closer cooperation among Customs, the NDLEA, and other security agencies. The Ogun I Command's activities demonstrate its commitment to securing the border, protecting local businesses, and supporting Nigeria's non-oil economy.
Key points
- The Ogun I Area Command seized goods worth N6.043 billion between July 17 and September 17.
- The command recorded 10,110 metric tonnes of exports with a Free On Board value of N2.594 billion.
- Customs handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of raw Cannabis sativa to the NDLEA between January and August 13.
