The Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, Comptroller Oladapo Afeni on Monday unveiled a sweeping crackdown on smuggling networks, declaring that economic saboteurs are steadily losing ground to sustained, intelligence-driven operations. Addressing journalists at the border town, he described the latest scorecard as a clear signal that the Command’s anti-smuggling offensive is gaining decisive traction.
Barely six weeks after rolling out an aggressive enforcement agenda, the Controller said the Command has delivered on its promise to confront illicit trade head-on. He stressed that officers remain resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and protecting national security from criminal cartels operating across porous border corridors.
In one of the most striking operations, Customs operatives intercepted a truck along the Agbara axis loaded with 2,539 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil, each containing 25 litres. The seizure, he revealed, followed credible intelligence indicating that the products were ferried in batches through creeks to evade detection.
Afeni recalled that this development comes on the heels of an earlier seizure of 2,090 kegs in December 2025, underscoring a persistent smuggling pattern targeting Nigeria’s local vegetable oil industry. He warned that such practices would no longer be tolerated as enforcement intensifies.
Further exposing the scale of illicit trade, the Command intercepted a Sino truck conveying 4,325 cartons of foreign spaghetti. Additional seizures include 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 545 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit, sugar, used tyres, second-hand clothing, and other contraband items.
The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures, he disclosed, stands at a staggering ₦1.35 billion, an indication of both the volume of smuggling and the magnitude of revenue loss being blocked by vigilant officers.
In a demonstration of inter-agency collaboration, the Command handed over 2,547 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, estimated at over a tonne, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Representing the NDLEA leadership, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Adeyemi Ganiyu, lauded Customs for its consistency in intercepting illicit drugs.
He noted that the synergy between both agencies has significantly curtailed the inflow of narcotics, assuring that the exhibits would be properly documented and destroyed upon obtaining court approval.
The crackdown also extended to cultural preservation, as Customs intercepted and transferred two priceless antiquities to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.
The museum curator, Femi Oye-Ikpo, commended the Command for preventing the illegal export of heritage assets, describing the recovered items as invaluable national treasures.
The Controller declared that the wave of seizures sends an unmistakable warning to smugglers unwilling to embrace legitimate trade. He emphasized that the Command’s operational environment is becoming increasingly hostile to criminal networks.
According to him, the backing of the Comptroller-General of Customs has further strengthened enforcement capacity, ensuring that illicit trade routes are systematically dismantled.
Reaffirming operational readiness, the Controller maintained that smugglers will continue to fail in their attempts to outwit Customs. He said the Command’s intelligence architecture and surveillance mechanisms have placed officers steps ahead of criminal elements.
He reiterated that border security remains paramount, especially in preventing activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s economic stability and international trade obligations.
On revenue performance, the Command recorded ₦285.65 million within the review period, surpassing the ₦259.26 million generated in the corresponding period of 2025. The increase reflects improved efficiency in baggage assessments and auction sales of seized petroleum products.
The Controller explained that revenue sources also include legitimate import and export transactions, as well as goods traded under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme.
In a notable turnaround, the Command processed 95 metric tonnes of exports valued at over ₦305.7 million Free on Board (FOB). This marks a significant leap from the zero export activity recorded during the same period last year.
He described the growth as a positive indicator of expanding trade facilitation efforts and improved compliance among exporters operating within the Command’s jurisdiction.
The Controller commended traditional rulers, host communities, and the media for their unwavering support in the fight against smuggling. He acknowledged that intelligence from local stakeholders has been instrumental in many successful operations.
He assured that Customs would continue to strengthen partnerships while enforcing government fiscal policies to promote lawful trade and economic prosperity.
Concluding the briefing, the Controller expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team for their confidence and support. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to excellence, vigilance, and national service.
“We are partners in progress,” he declared, urging Nigerians to remain supportive as Customs sustains its offensive against smuggling and economic sabotage.