The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded major breakthroughs in revenue generation and the fight against smuggling, intercepting hard drugs, arms, ammunition, and other prohibited items valued at over ₦4.1 billion in 2025, a development the command reveal has significantly improved public safety and economic stability in the border communities.
Speaking at a press conference held at Idiroko on Thursday, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, said the command’s achievements reflect a renewed commitment to protecting the nation’s economy, securing lives, and curbing criminal activities along Nigeria’s land borders.
According to Afeni, the command generated and remitted ₦454.6 million to the Federal Government in 2025, representing a 47 percent increase over the ₦275.8 million collected in 2024.
He noted that the improved revenue performance was driven by stricter enforcement, baggage assessments, and auction sales of seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), adding that the command has started 2026 on a strong footing with over ₦106 million generated within the first 28 days, surpassing the same period last year.
“This growth shows that border enforcement and economic development can go hand in hand when legitimate trade is encouraged and illegal activities are blocked,” Afeni said.
Beyond revenue, the Customs boss said the command made 487 seizures in 2025, intercepting dangerous items that could have fueled insecurity, drug abuse, and economic sabotage.
Among the seized items were 22,725 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 13,332 parcels of cannabis sativa, 2,128 live cartridges, 1,315 explosives, hard drugs including methamphetamine and heroin, as well as locally made guns and revolver pistols.
Afeni warned that the interception of explosives and ammunition was critical at a time of heightened insecurity, noting that their circulation could have had devastating consequences for innocent citizens.
“Preventing these weapons from reaching the wrong hands is about saving lives and protecting the future of our communities,” he said.
He disclosed that within the first 29 days of 2026 alone, the command seized additional contraband valued at ₦721 million, including smuggled rice, cannabis, used tyres, PMS, firearms, and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
Customs also intercepted traditional carvings suspected to be antiquities, which Afeni said highlights the growing threat of cultural heritage theft.
“Ogun I Command will act decisively to protect our national heritage and stop antiquity trafficking,” he assured.
As part of efforts to strengthen national security, the command handed over seized cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), arms and ammunition to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), and unregistered drugs to NAFDAC.
Afeni described drug trafficking as a growing concern, revealing that while 56 narcotics seizures were recorded in 2025, 10 drug seizures have already been made in less than one month in 2026, pointing to persistent demand and supply chains.
The Customs chief condemned recent attacks on officers in the Imeko axis of Ogun State, warning that intimidation and violence would not deter the command from carrying out its lawful duties.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and youths to shun smuggling, particularly of drugs and weapons, stressing that such crimes destroy lives and undermine development.
Afeni commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, officers of the command, sister security agencies, and compliant traders for their cooperation, urging the public to continue providing credible information to help curb smuggling.
“As we move through 2026, we remain resolute in protecting the economy, ensuring security, and facilitating legitimate trade for national prosperity,” he said.
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