Story by Dili Utomi
In redoubled efforts to protect the national economy and to make sure that public health does not suffer further damage, the Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized various items of illegitimate trade.
This much and more were part of the assertions made by the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Afeni O.O as he paraded the items in a press briefing, Thursday.
DC Afeni had decried the unabated efforts put in by smugglers to bring in farm produce and other banned items that are considered not to be good for the Nigerian economy as he noted that “Unimpeded smuggling forces local mills to close and leaves our farmer’s bankrupt. Agriculture is one of our largest employers of youth. By buying smuggled foreign grain instead of locally processed rice, we effectively export jobs to other countries while worsening unemployment and poverty at home. Smuggled foreign rice is often re-bagged under unhygienic conditions or stored in warehouses for years, deteriorating past its safe consumption date”.
The various contraband goods seized and paraded on the day include:
2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice
70 cartons of basmati rice
6,035 parcels of Ghana loud/Indica
30 bags of foreign sugar (50kg each)
2,674 pieces of new short and trousers
11,450 liters of PMS in kegs
1,750 liters of PMS in drums
30 kegs of diesels of 25 liters
100 bags of fertilizer
67 bales of secondhand clothing
2,674 pieces of New short/trousers
3,760 pieces of new top
85 pieces of fire extinguisher
480 cartons of pure haven drinks
53 package Oats
47 cartons of Cosmetics
36 packages of hair accessories
3 packages of surgical shoes
127 pieces of new purse
The total Duty paid value is N3,574,435,248.08k.
The Acting CAC also added that “From January to date, Ogun I command under my watch has handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 Sacks of raw cannabis sativa to NDLEA Idiroko special command. Furthermore, I am pleased to inform you that the Command, for the month of July 2026 collected revenue to the tune of Ninety Million Sixty-Six Thousand one hundred and sixty-four Naira (N90,066,164.00) as baggage assessments, auctions of perishable items, PMS and other charges”.
The Command under the period in consideration also recorded a total export volume of 10,110 metric tons with Free On Board (FOB) value of Two Billion five hundred and ninety-four million seventy-eight thousand Six hundred and fifty-four Naira (2,594,078,654). The primary drivers of the export volume is said to include white talc, crushed thermal coal and CNG.
The Acting Customs Area Controller warned those engaging in or aiding illegal activities that the short-term profit is not worth the long-term ruin of the community and country. He emphasised that smuggling is an economic sabotage that robs children of a secure future. That no nation can grow when its borders are treated as gateways for criminality.
He announced that in line with the mandate of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (PhD), the Ogun I command under his leadership has stepped up operations. He said that they are leveraging enhanced intelligence, modern technology, and stiffer enforcement measures. DC Afeni affirmed that the Command will continue to arrest offenders, seize contrabands, and ensure that culprits face the full wrath of the law.
He sought cooperation from from different segments of the society saying “to our traditional rulers, youth leaders, and law-abiding citizens, we need your partnership. We urge you to report suspicious activities along our border corridors, protecting our economy is a collective responsibility”.
The drugs components of the seized items were promptly handed over to the officials of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
For advertisement and more information, please contact us 08027590195, 08035721540 or email us at greatalternativenigltd@gmail.com, diliutomi1@gmail.com. or send us messages on x @dn_utomi or on Instagram @utomidili
