THE NEW FACE OF THE CUSTOMS; D/COMPT AFENI DOUBLES DOWN ON HIS ANTI-SMUGGLING CAMPAIGN; INTERCEPTS N2.469 BILLION CONTRABAND IN ONE MONTH
One Customs Area Controller in this dispensation who has proved that he knows his onions is Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.
Since he arrived the Ogun 1 Customs command, he has left no one in doubt that the future of the Service is in the hands of Deputy Comptrollers who are either experts in anti-smuggling operations or in revenue generation. Month-in-month out, he has assembled members of the fourth estate of the realm to give an insight into his stewardship.
Today’s briefing was not different. Seizures of hard drugs, foreign parboiled rice, premium motor spirit and a 2026 Range Rover worth more than N419 million featured prominently during an enforcement operation which covered between August 14 and today.
The seized contraband is worth N2,469,153,523.68, demonstrating their uncompromising zero-tolerance policy for border economic sabotage.
“Since assuming leadership of this strategic Command, my team has pursued a clear, unwavering mandate. To strengthen border security, suppress smuggling, facilitate legitimate trade, and deepen stakeholders’ engagement across Ogun State. Our concerted operational strategies, intelligence-led enforcement, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration have yielded remarkable, tangible results across all key focus areas.”
“Despite prevailing economic challenges along our land borders, the Command has maintained a firm stance on legitimate trade facilitation while ensuring maximum revenue collection. Through diligent duty collection, baggage assessment, and meticulous physical examinations at designated border points, we generated millions into the Federation account, overcoming traditional transborder bottlenecks. We optimized import/export verification frameworks to fast-track compliant trade while applying strict regulatory oversight on sensitive goods, including Micra stone, CNG, White talc and crushed thermal cool”
“Our relentless anti-smuggling drives have dealt severe blows to illicit trade networks operating across Ogun State. I make bold to say that Ogun I Command under my leadership, between August and September 2026, our officers intercepted substantial quantities of contraband, including foreign parboiled rice, petroleum products (PMS), premium used vehicles, narcotics, used clothing, and illegal wildlife/solid mineral”. These include:
1,204 Bags of foreign parboiled Rice
3, 893 Parcels of Cannabis Indica (1.878 tonnes)
428 pieces Pneumatic tyres
8,675 litres of PMS in kegs
24 Bales of second-hand clothing
4 Sacks of used Shoes
500 litres of diesel in kegs
“Total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures recorded within this period is, put at Two-Billion, Four Hundred and Six Nine million, One Hundred and fifty three Thousand-Five-Hundred-and twenty Three-Naira Sixty-Eight Kobo (N2,469,153,523.68) demonstrating our uncompromising zero-tolerance policy for border economic sabotage.
Ladies and gentlemen. One of the highlights of todays briefing is the seizure of 2026 Range Rover sport Autobiography P530 worth Four Hundred and seventeen Million, Eleven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Two Naira (417,011,982,000.00)”
“In pursuance of inter-Agency collaboration, today, we are handing over 3,893 parcels of cannabis sativa to NDLEA Idiroko special Command for further investigation”
“Border security is a collective responsibility. Over the past ten months, the Command host high-level joint engagements and security meetings to harmonize operations along the Ogun border corridors. We deepened operational synergies with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, and environmental management agencies to counter cross-border crimes effectively.”
“We sustained constructive dialogue with traditional rulers, youth leaders, and border community associations to build mutual trust and reduce hostility during enforcement operations. In the area of Corporate Social Responsibility & Environmental Initiatives, our commitment extends beyond core customs enforcement to fostering holistic community growth and environmental stewardship.”
“Furthermore, our Inter-Command Athletic Competitions in August and September 2026 reinforced physical fitness and camaraderie among security personnel which command became champion in volleyball.”
“These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication, resilience, and integrity of our officers and men, as well as the unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD and the management team.”
“To the officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command, your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to duty under challenging conditions have been the bedrock of these accomplishments. To our host communities, traditional rulers, and media partners, thank you for your cooperation, constructiveness, and trust.”
“To the perpetrators of economic sabotage and illegal border activities, our message remains unequivocal, Ogun I Command will continue to be a hostile zone for uncustomed goods and illicit trade. We remain resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests and national security.”