Ogun State's border with the Republic of Benin has made it a major hub for legitimate trade and a focal point in the fight against smuggling. The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its campaign against economic saboteurs while facilitating legitimate exports. Under the leadership of Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, the command has been working tirelessly to combat illicit trade and protect local industries. Afeni, with nearly two decades of experience, views smuggling as a threat to Nigeria's economic future.
Smuggling has significant economic consequences, particularly in the rice industry. The influx of smuggled foreign rice has undermined Nigerian farmers, particularly those in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions. According to Afeni, the practice has also affected rice mills and other businesses that have invested in processing capacity. When smuggled rice floods the market, local producers struggle to compete, leaving some mills unable to operate profitably. This has resulted in a loss of jobs and revenue for the government.
The Ogun I Command has made significant seizures in recent months, including 3,543 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 cartons of basmati rice, and 9,928 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica. The command has also intercepted 20,125 litres of Premium Motor Spirit in kegs, 1,750 litres of PMS in drums, and 50 kegs of diesel. These seizures have a total Duty Paid Value of N6.043 billion. Afeni emphasized that the significance of these seizures goes beyond their monetary value, as they represent goods that could undermine local producers and deprive the government of revenue.
The fight against smuggling has become increasingly complex, with smugglers resorting to sophisticated concealment methods and remote routes. However, the Ogun I Command has countered this strategy with intelligence gathering, technology, and aggressive frontline operations. Afeni stated that the command's intelligence networks, technological integration, and determination of officers on the frontline have proven superior. The command has consistently dismantled smuggling networks, intercepted contraband, and disrupted supply chains.
The battle against smuggling is also critical in the fight against drug trafficking. From January to August 13, 2026, 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 (NDLEA) Idiroko Special Command. Afeni described the fight against drug trafficking as a collective responsibility, emphasizing the overlap between border control, public health, and national security.
Deputy Comptroller Afeni has reiterated the Customs Service's commitment to making Ogun State increasingly hostile to smugglers. He stressed that no nation can grow when its borders are gateways to criminality. The Ogun I Command's efforts have been focused on protecting domestic production, particularly in the rice industry, and facilitating legitimate exports. Afeni's experience and expertise have been instrumental in the command's success in combating smuggling.
The Ogun I Command's anti-smuggling campaign has yielded significant results, with a major vehicle seizure, including a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography P530 valued at N417 million. The command's efforts have also led to the interception of prohibited goods, including clothing, used vehicles, and other items. The seizures have not only generated revenue but also prevented the undermining of local producers and the threat to public health and national security.
Key points
- The Ogun I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its campaign against economic saboteurs, seizing goods worth N6.043 billion.
- Smuggling has significant economic consequences, particularly in the rice industry, undermining Nigerian farmers and affecting rice mills and other businesses.
- The fight against smuggling is critical in the fight against drug trafficking, with the Ogun I Command handing over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs to the NDLEA.
