The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted contraband items with a Duty Paid Value of N6.77bn in a sweeping anti-smuggling operation across the state’s border corridors.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at Idiroko, Ogun State, noting that the seizures were recorded within a five-week period between March 16 and May 12, 2026.
Afeni said the operation, driven by enhanced intelligence and inter-agency collaboration, led to 73 interceptions involving large quantities of cannabis, foreign rice, vegetable oil, petroleum products and other prohibited goods.
He revealed that the command seized 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica, popularly known as “Ghana Loud,” weighing about 4,627 kilogrammes and valued at over N5bn.
The Customs boss added that 1,759 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 2,685 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil, and 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit concealed in jerricans were also intercepted.
Other items seized include 77 cartons of unregistered Analgin injections, 50 cartons of expired seasoning cubes, 858 packs of macaroni, bales of second-hand clothing, footwear, and two used vehicles.
He added that six live pangolins were rescued during the operations and handed over to the appropriate authorities.
According to him, the seizures were made at different locations across Ogun State through intensified surveillance and intelligence-driven patrols.
Afeni stressed that the rise in cannabis trafficking poses a serious threat to national security, linking drug abuse to crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and cultism.
He disclosed that the command had, from January to date, seized 26,002 parcels of cannabis, describing the feat as a major step in preventing a looming drug crisis.
He said, “This is not just a seizure; it is a preventive measure. If these substances had found their way into circulation, the consequences on public health and national security would have been devastating.”
On rice smuggling, Afen i reiterated the Federal Government’s ban on land border importation, noting that continued illegal inflow undermines local production and economic growth.
He urged Nigerians to support government policies aimed at achieving food sufficiency.
The controller also raised concerns over the influx of smuggled vegetable oil, warning that it threatens local industries, causes job losses, and exposes consumers to health risks due to unregulated standards.
He disclosed that since assuming office, the command had seized over 12,000 kegs of vegetable oil.
In a related development, the command intercepted a truck along the Sagamu-Ogere axis loaded with contraband, including unregistered pharmaceuticals and expired food items.
Beyond enforcement, Afeni said the command generated N125.43m in revenue within the review period through baggage assessments and auction of seized petroleum products.
He added that the command facilitated the export of 95 metric tonnes of goods valued at over N1bn Free On Board.
The controller said the command had begun deploying geospatial technology to strengthen border surveillance, in line with the modernisation agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He said the initiative would enhance intelligence-led operations, reduce smuggling and improve trade facilitation.
