Customs Impounds N2.46bn Contraband in Ogun

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun I Area Command seized smuggled goods worth N2.46 billion in the duty paid value between August and September 2026, according to a press briefing held at the Command headquarters in Idiroko. Acting Area Comptroller Mr. Olukayode Afeni disclosed the details, emphasizing the agency's commitment to making Ogun border corridors hostile to smugglers and drug traffickers.

The seized items included 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 3,893 parcels of Cannabis Indica (1.878 tonnes), 428 pneumatic tyres, 8,675 litres of PMS in kegs, 24 bales of second-hand clothing, four sacks of used shoes, and 500 litres of diesel in kegs. Afeni reviewed the Command's operational performance from August 2025 to September 2026 and highlighted the team's unwavering mandate to strengthen border security, suppress smuggling, facilitate legitimate trade, and deepen stakeholder engagement across Ogun State.

Despite economic challenges along the land borders, the Command maintained a strong stance on legitimate trade facilitation while ensuring maximum revenue collection. Through duty collection, baggage assessment, and physical examinations at border points, the Command generated millions for the Federation Account, overcoming traditional bottlenecks.

Afeni also noted a significant seizure of a 2026 Range Rover Sport worth N417 million, which was handed over to the NDLEA Idiroko special Command for further investigation. The Acting Comptroller praised the Command's collaboration with various agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police Force, Immigration Service, NDLEA, and environmental management bodies, to effectively combat cross-border crimes.

Additionally, the Command engaged with traditional rulers, youth leaders, and border community associations to build trust and reduce hostility during enforcement operations.