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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Determined to curb smuggling activities and other illicit transborder trade, the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service is set to deploy advanced geospatial technology to fortify international borders in Ogun State.
The Acting Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the activities of the command at the Sentry, Idiroko Border Post, yesterday.
Afeni explained that the deployment of advanced geospatial technology at the borders would mark a fundamental shift from traditional patrolling to intelligence-led operations, allowing the command to monitor smuggling hotspots across its Area of Responsibility.
He added that beyond enforcement, these advancements would foster a transparent and accountable administration that remains responsive to legitimate trade and fully aligned with the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards.
“Ogun I Area Command is officially entering a new era of digital enforcement. In alignment with the modernisation vision of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we are deploying advanced geospatial technology to fortify our borders. This transition marks a fundamental shift from traditional patrolling to intelligence-led operations, allowing us to monitor smuggling hotspots across our Area of Responsibility (AoR).
“Beyond enforcement, these advancements foster a transparent and accountable administration, one that remains responsive to legitimate trade and fully aligned with the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards,” the Customs Area Controller stated.
On the seizures made by the command, Afeni informed journalists that operatives of the Ogun 1 Area Command intercepted 73 seizures in just five weeks through enhanced intelligence and inter-agency cooperation.
He listed the seized items to include 1,759 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 50kg each; 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica of different sizes (Ghana Loud), equivalent to 4,627kg, with an estimated street value of over N5bn; 2,685 kegs of Oki Vegetable Oil (25 litres each); 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit in jerry cans; 16 kegs of two-litre Oki Vegetable Oil; and 20 cartons of Turkey Vegetable Oil (three litres).
Others are 10 cartons of 21kg Basmati rice; 216 cartons of 20kg Basmati rice; 205 packs of footwear; 26 sacks of raw cannabis sativa; 66 bales of secondhand clothing; 11 kegs of diesel (25 litres each); 46 bags of foreign sugar (25kg each); 77 cartons of 500mg Analgin injection (without NAFDAC registration number); and seven sacks of secondhand clothing.
Afeni also added that two units of used vehicles; two sacks of ladies’ handbags; 16 cartons of organic honey; 50 cartons of expired Maggi Star; 858 packs of macaroni; two sacks of spaghetti; and six live pangolins, already handed over to the relevant agency for necessary action, were also seized during the anti-smuggling operations.
“Permit me to briefly highlight the adverse effect of the seized items on the wellbeing of our citizenry, especially cannabis sativa, foreign rice and vegetable oil.
“Cannabis sativa/indica, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp, is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. It has a devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths. The rise in its abuse is of great concern within Nigerian society and poses a threat to our national security due to its potential influence on criminal activities such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism and other vices.
“From January to date, we have taken 26,002 parcels of cannabis off the streets. This isn’t just a seizure; it’s a preventive measure. Without this intervention, our society would face a wave of drug-related crises that would overwhelm our already overstretched healthcare and rehabilitation systems. Its availability would have spiked drug-related health issues and overwhelmed our strained psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities,” he stated.
While disclosing that the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items is N6,777,236,000, Afeni said the prohibited items were intercepted at different locations within Ogun State with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies of the command.
On revenue generation, Afeni said: “Alongside our successful anti-smuggling operations, the Command, from March 16, 2026 to May 12, 2026, generated and remitted into the Federation Account the sum of ₦125,430,757.00 in revenue through baggage assessment and the auction of seized petroleum products.”
“We are pleased to note that cross-border trade is picking up gradually; my management team remains fully committed to resolving all bottlenecks. Notably, we successfully facilitated the export of 95 metric tonnes with Free on Board (FOB) value of N1,004,641,056.09.
“Let me use this medium to encourage our compliant traders to remain steadfast and be assured of our maximum cooperation. Our doors are widely open for consultation and required support,” the Customs Area Controller added.
Afeni, who later handed over the seized banned substances to the Commander of the Idiroko Special Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ekundayo Williams, lauded the concerted and collaborative efforts of other sister agencies and critical stakeholders in the command’s fight against smugglers and economic saboteurs.
