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The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted contraband items with a customs-cleared value of N6.77 billion in a major anti-smuggling operation across the state’s border corridors.
The Acting Controller of the Customs Area, Deputy Controller Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this during a press conference in Idiroko, Ogun State on Tuesday, stressing that the seizures were recorded in a five-week period between March 16 and May 12, 2026.
Afeni said the operation, driven by increased intelligence and interagency 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 kilograms and valued at over N5 billion.
The customs chief added that 1,759 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice, 2,685 drums of smuggled vegetable oil and 14,550 liters of Premium Motor Spirit hidden in jerrycans 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 relevant authorities.
According to him, the seizures were carried out in several locations in Ogun State through intensified surveillance and intelligence-led patrols.
Afeni stressed that the increase in cannabis trafficking poses a serious threat to national security, linking drug abuse to crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and cultism.
He revealed that, from January to now, the command has seized 26,002 parcels of cannabis, describing the feat as an important step in preventing a looming drugs crisis.
He said: “This is not just a seizure; it is a preventative measure. If these substances had entered 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 imports across land borders, stressing that the continued illegal influx undermines local production and economic growth.
He urged Nigerians to support government policies aimed at achieving food sufficiency.
The comptroller also expressed concern about the influx of contraband vegetable oil, warning that it threatens local industries, causes job losses and exposes consumers to health risks due to unregulated standards.
He revealed that since he assumed office, the command has seized over 12,000 barrels 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 revenue of $125.43 million in the review period through baggage assessment and auction of seized petroleum products.
He added that the command facilitated the export of 95 tonnes of goods worth over N1 billion francs on board.
The Comptroller said the command has begun implementing geospatial technology to strengthen border surveillance, in line with the modernization agenda of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He said the initiative will improve intelligence-led operations, reduce smuggling and improve trade facilitation.
Afeni commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their cooperation.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders and creating an enabling environment for legitimate trade.
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