AFENI HOSTS CG’S WIFE, KIKELOMO; DECLARES N1.350 BILLION SEIZURES IN SIX WEEKS

By Timothy Paul Okorocha

The Ogun 1 Customs command under the leadership of an anti-smuggling expert-Deputy Comptroller O.O. Afeni today declared a N1.350 billion worth of seizures of prohibited items.

Briefing newsmen at the Idiroko border today, Afeni noted that the seizures recorded in the last six weeks included 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice ,(equivalent to two trailer loads of rice), 2,547 parcels of cannabis sativa of different sizes ( the Ghana loud strain commands a luxury price tag to match its heavy-hitting profile).

Others are 545 kegs of Premium motor spirit (PMS) equivalent to 13,625 litres, four pangolin which has been handed over to green finger’s Wildlife Conservation,36 cartons of Bardinet syrup, used cars as well as two pieces of antiquities.

The above report is an indication of a strong message to those who are not willing to embrace legitimate business. The command will continue to exercise their statutory responsibilities in the interest of overall socio-economic prosperity of the country. Our zeal and determination to make the command unfavorable to Smugglers is still on.

Gentlemen of the press, this series of successful interventions underscores our unwavering commitment to suppressing smuggling. By removing these illicit goods from the market, we are ensuring a competitive trade environment that protects our local vegetable oil industry and safeguards the health of our citizens in line with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. I want to assure the general public that the command with the full backing of the CGC Adewale Adeniyi PhD, MFR will do all it takes to ensure that Smuggling of vegetable oil and other prohibited items suffocates and in due course collapse as command is strategically positioned to decisively truncate those with malicious intentions.

You will recall that on the 16th of December 2025, we paraded a total of 2,090 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil at 25 litres each. Sequel to this exploit, and in our continuous efforts at stamping out unhealthy competition with our dedicated local producers of vegetable oil in Nigeria. Officers of the command on Precise Intelligence Patrol around Agbara axis on 11th March, 2026 successfully intercepted a truck with registration number APP-740-YD. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found to be conveying 2,539 kegs of vegetable oil at 25litres each. Preliminary investigation revealed that they were smuggled through the creeks in trickles, full investigation is underway. This significant seizure followed an earlier operation on March 4, 2026, where the command intercepted a Sino truck loaded with 4,325 cartons of foreign spaghetti (10kgeach), highlighting a persistent trend in the smuggling of essential commodities.

It is a pleasure to host you once again at Idiroko. Just six weeks ago, on January 29, 2026, I committed this Command to a relentless campaign against smuggling and economic sabotage. Today’s briefing serves as a progress report on that promise. Under my leadership, we remain steadfast in protecting our national economy and security from those who choose to defy the law.

In accordance with the Comptroller General of Customs’ policy thrust, we are formally transferring custody of 2,547 intercepted parcels of Cannabis Sativa to the Commander of the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command. These include 2,055 pieces of coconut sizes (710kg); 15 pieces of bread sizes (381kg). The total kg is 2,543 pieces

As part of our commitment to preserving cultural heritage and preventing the loss of historical artifacts, we are officially transferring two Antiquities to the Curator National Museum, Baptist Girls Collage Idi-aba Abeokuta, Ogun State, following an expert appraisal.

Gentlemen of the press, our war on smuggling continues. Smugglers may try new tactics to evade our checks, but they will remain unsuccessful. Between our high-level intelligence and our strategic monitoring, we are always one step ahead. To the economic saboteurs and their sponsors, there is no trick we cannot uncover.

However, the priority remains to keep our borders safe from any inimical activity that would compromise our national interests, uniformity with the international trade agreement and by extension our national security. We therefore thank all Nigerians especially the local business community for their continuous support. We also appreciate media houses in the State for their balance reportage

During the period under review, the Command collected a total sum Of two hundred and Eight Five Million, Six Hundred and Five Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Sixty Naira (N285, 652, 460, 00)This amount surpasses what was generated same period last year 2025 with Two Hundred and Fifty-Nine Million two hundred and sixty-five thousand four Hundred and ninety-five Naira (N259, 265,495.00) which translate to 1082%

Theseare from baggage assessments and auction sales of petroleum products (PMS) intercepted during anti-smuggling operations. I will like to reiterate that the revenue activity of the command comprises importation and exportation of legitimate goods, goods under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and assessment of merchandise in baggage.

In export, the Command recorded a significant surge in export activity, moving 95 metric tons of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of three hundred and five million, seven hundred and forty-Nine-Thousand-Two-Hundred-and sixty-four-naira five kobo (₦305,749,264.05). This represents a substantial year-on-year improvement compared to the same period in 2025, which saw NO or ZERO export trade.

I wish to commend the patriotic collaboration and tremendous assistance we always receive from traditional leaders, eminent personalities and some host communities including members of the press in our resolute drive against smuggling in the overall interest of our dear nation.

It is pertinent to state that, Customs will continue to actualize sustainable campaigns and strict enforcement of Federal Government fiscal policies with a view to encouraging compliant traders, while sustaining the fight against smugglers and improved synergy with other security agencies.

On a final note, I humbly extend my sincere gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD and his management team for their continued confidence in our ability to execute our duties with excellence and dedication

Meanwhile, at the visit of the National president of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, the Controller said your visit today is not only historic but symbolic. It underscores the deep commitment of COWA under your purposeful leadership to promoting environmental sustainability, community development, and the welfare of families within the Customs community, especially along our border corridors.

The Green Border, as we understand it, aligns perfectly with global and national calls for environmental responsibility. Here at Ogun, I Command, we are deeply conscious of the delicate balance between trade facilitation, border security, and environmental preservation. This initiative, therefore, comes as a welcome complement to our operational goals, particularly as we continue to strengthen partnerships with our host communities for peace, security, and prosperity.

Permit me, therefore, to commend you, Madam President, for your visionary leadership and for taking COWA beyond its traditional humanitarian mandate into areas of sustainability and ecological stewardship. Your passion for the wellbeing of officers’ families and border communities is evident in this innovative step.

I also wish to express profound appreciation to the Executive members of COWA Ogun I Chapter for their dedication and tireless efforts in mobilizing members and ensuring that the vision of the national body is effectively implemented at the grassroots level.

At Ogun I Command, we remain fully supportive of all COWA programmes and initiatives that promote welfare, empowerment, and sustainable development. We believe that a greener border environment is not just beneficial to our communities, but also essential to our mission of maintaining safe and prosperous borders.