Ogun Customs Seizes N6.7bn Contraband, Hands Over Cannabis to NDLEA
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has intensified its crackdown on trans-border smuggling activities along the Idiroko–Republic of Benin corridor, with seizures valued at over N6.77 billion.
Speaking during a press briefing at the command headquarters on Tuesday, Acting Customs Area Controller, Oladapo Afeni, said the command remained determined to dismantle smuggling networks operating across the border axis.
Afeni stated that the command had continued to sustain pressure on smugglers through improved operational strategies and intelligence-driven enforcement.
“A few weeks ago, on March 16 to be precise, the command handed over 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command and since that milestone, we have not retreated nor surrendered; instead, we refined our tactics and re-strategised,” he said.
The acting CAC disclosed that recent operations led to the interception of 1,759 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud”, 2,685 kegs of vegetable oil, and 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit concealed in jerricans.
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Other seized items included 20 cartons of turkey vegetable oil, 226 cartons of Basmati rice, 205 packs of footwear, 26 sacks of raw cannabis sativa, 66 bales of second-hand clothing, and 11 kegs of diesel.
Afeni described smuggling, particularly illicit drugs and imported rice, as a major threat to public health, local industries, and national security.
He also urged legitimate traders to remain compliant with extant regulations, assuring them of the command’s support.
“Our doors are widely open for consultation and required support. Security and trade are two sides of the same coin at our command,” he added.
In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized cannabis sativa was formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and destruction.
Receiving the exhibits on behalf of the agency, Commander of NDLEA Idiroko Special Area Command, Ekundayo Williams, described the seizure as a significant breakthrough in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
“This is not just an ordinary administrative procedure, but a strong signal to merchants of death that the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA share a strong collaboration in the anti-smuggling fight,” Williams said.
