The Nigeria Customs Service Ogun Area 1 command has announced 73 seizures of banned items and cannabis sativa worth #6.777,236,000 in Duty Paid value within 41 days.
Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni disclosed this on Tuesday during a Press Conference held at Sentry, Idiroko.
Detailing the the 73 seizures,which include 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa handed over to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, Afinni listed items seized during these operations; 1,759 Bags of foreign parboiled rice, 50kg each, 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica of different sizes (Ghana Loud) equivalent of 4627 kg with estimated street value of over 5 billion naira,2,685 kegs of Oki Vegetable Oil, 25 liters each,14,550 liters of Premium Motor Spirit in jerricans (Over a tanker load), 16 kegs of Oki Vegetable oil, 2 liters each, 20 cartons of turkey Vegetable oil, 3 liters each, 10 cartons of Basmati rice, 21kg each ,216 cartons of Basmati rice, 20kg each,205 packs of foot wears ,26 Sacks of raw cannabis sativa ,66 Bales of secondhand clothing,
11 kegs of Diesel, 25 liters each ,46 Bags of foreign Sugar, 25kg each ,77 cartons of Analgin injection, 500mg (without NAFDAC Reg. Number) ,7 sacks of secondhand clothing, 2 Units of used Vehicles, 2 sacks of ladies’ hand bags ,16 cartons of Organic honey, 50 cartons of expired Maggi star,858 Packs of Macaroni ,2 Sack of Spaghetti ,6 lives Pangolins already handed over to relevant agency for necessary action .
He added that the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items was N6,777,236,000 billon naira.
Afeni said "It is of essence to state that the aforementioned items were intercepted at different locations within Ogun State, with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of our intelligence.
"Permit me to briefly highlight the adverse effect of the seized items on the wellbeing of our citizenry, especially the cannabis sativa, foreign rice and vegetable oil.Cannabis Sativa/Indica, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp is a psychoactive drug that is derived from the cannabis plant.
"It has a devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths. The rise in its abuses gives a great concern within the Nigerian society and 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 our already overstretched healthcare and rehab systems won't be able to handle.
"its availability would have spiked drug-related health issues and overwhelmed our strained psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities.Rice is a staple food eaten in many homes in the country. It’s importation through the land borders was prohibited by the Federal Government of Nigerian (FGN) to encourage local production and be self-sufficient, as Nigeria is blessed with vast and fertile lands.
"This policy of the FGN may be perceived as difficult and unfriendly, but has a long-term great benefit when embraced. For instance, the much-appreciated foreign rice is a local produce in the countries of exportation, and these countries commenced their production with insignificant quantity before getting to their present commercial status. In a nutshell, the persistent smuggling of rice will continue to hamper our economic growth and development as a nation.
"Let us give the required support and cooperation to Nigeria Customs Service, and by extension to the FGN to improve our social security and economic wellbeing. In our dedicated and determined zeal at frustrating the efforts of vegetable oil smugglers within our AOR, the command intercepted a DAF Truck with registration number MSA105XB along Shagamu-Interchange/Ogere road on Precise Intelligence Patrol on 5 MAY 26, 100% physical examination revealed it was laden with 2185 kegs of Oki vegetable oil at 25kg each. The heavy reliance on imported vegetable oil has a very destructive impact on our nation’s economic stability, public health, and agricultural future. The influx of foreign vegetable oil into the country is creating a ripple effect of negative consequences that demands immediate attention.
"The most immediate victim of unbridled imports is the domestic producer. Local refineries and smallholder farmers are being squeezed out of the market Other ripple effects include job losses, public health risks, unregulated Standards which most at times increases the risk of consuming adulterated oil processed with harmful chemicals and high level of trans fats.Recognizing these threads, since my assumption of duty, I have overhauled our enforcement tactics which has successfully resulted to seizure of 12,271 kegs of vegetable oil at 25 litres each. The command under my watch is committed to upholding standards and protecting local jobs.
"Furthermore to our efforts at keeping Nigeria and Nigerians safe, the command intercepted a Volvo Truck with Reg no ZUR 357 XC also on Precise Intelligence Patrol along Shagamu-Interchange/ Ogere road on 7 MAY 26. Subjecting the truck to 100% physical examination revealed the following;77 cartons of Analgin injection 500mg without NAFDAC number,50 cartons of expired Maggi Cube, 226 sacks of Basmatic Rice2 ,sacks of ladies bag, 205 sacks of foot wears ,36 cartons of vegetable oil ,16 cartons of organic honey ,7 sacks of used clothes.
The Acting Controller also disclosed that from 16 march 2026 to 12 may 2026, the Command generated and remitted into Federation account the sum of ₦125,430,757.00 in revenue through baggage assessment and the auction of seized petroleum products.
Speaking further, "We are pleased to note that cross-border trade is picking up gradually; my management team remains fully committed to resolving all the bottlenecks. Notably, we successfully facilitated the export of 95 metric tonnes with free on board (FOB) of One Billion Four Million Six Hundred and Forty-One Thousand Fifty-six Naira Nine Kobo (N1,004,641,056.09)".
Afeni handed over the seized illicit substances to the Commander of the Idiroko Special Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ekundayo Williams, and praised inter-agencies collaboration and critical stakeholders' drive in nipping activities of smugglers and economic saboteurs in the bud .
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