NO AMOUNT OF INTIMIDATION, FORCE OR THREAT WILL DETER US; AS D/COMPT AFENI DECLARES N4.1 BILLION SEIZURES IN IDIROKO
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Ogun 1 Customs command , under the leadership of Deputy Comptroller Afeni has announced seizures worth more than N4.130 billion for in the twelve months of 2025.
Briefing newsmen in Idiroko command headquarters yesterday, he said this figure was against the N1,791,007,246 (DPV) of 2024.
He stated that the seizures totaled 487, as a result of intelligence-driven operations and the dedication of officers.
Afeni also disclosed that more than N454,672,406.30 was generated and remitted into the federation and non-federation accounts of the government.
‘This clearly shows that the revenue profile of the command has significantly increased by about 47 per cent when compared with the collection of N275,835,602.00 of 2034’ He pledged to do more to surpass what was collected last year.
According to him, this year has started on a right footing and evident in the collection of N106,277,312.00 between January 1 and 28. This feat, according to him was achieved through the diligent efforts of the officers and cooperation of compliant traders.
‘The revenue was actualized through the collection from baggage, assessment, proceeds from auction sales of seized premium motor spirit (PMS).
On anti-smuggling operations, in line with the provision of extant laws; trade guidelines and enforcement of government fiscal policy measures, the command has further strengthened its anti-smuggling operations against economic saboteurs through credible
intelligence and continuous partnering with other rele vant agencies for effective policing of our vast land borders.
The command made a total 487 seizures. Through intelligence-driven operations and the dedication of our officers, we intercepted and seized the following items:
a. Foreign Parboiled Rice, 50kg each
trailer load. b. Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – 2,669 kegs (66,725 liters). C. Red star cartridges- 2,128
d. Cannabis Sativa – 13,332 Parcels. e. Used Clothing – 25 Bales. f. Foreign Used Vehicles – 11 Units and Tractor.. g. Used pneumatic tyres – 2,034 Pieces. h. Gino Tomatoes 12 cartons
i. Sugar 50kg 18 Bags. j. Inhalator insecticide 1 carton. k. Doga brand spaghetti 10kg 4,228 cartons. 1. Vegetable oil of25 liters 2,097 kegs. m. Riodin explosives-1,3 15 pieces. n. Dane Guns- 11 units. 22.725 Bags equivalent to 37. o. Revolver pistol-2 units. p. Locally made guns- 2 units
q. Crystal Meth 27 Wraps weighing 28.9Okg
r. Heroin 16 pieces weighing 16kg. s. Used Boxer Motorcycle 6 Unit (means of conveyance)
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seized items for the year 2025 is N4,130,931,100, while the duty paid value of corresponding year 2024 was N1,791,007,246. This shows that was increment of N 2,339,923,854
These achievements are testaments to the commitment of our officers to combating smuggling activities, protecting the economy, and safeguarding the well-being of our society. As we began the New Year, our focus has remained
on consolidating the gains of 2025.
Gentlemen of the press, I am pleased to inform you that, from 1″ January, 2026 to this morning, Thursday, 29 January, 2026, the command recorded significant seizures. These seizures include
3,738 parcels of cannabis sativa
1,042 bags of smuggled rice weighing 50kg each
780 Used tyres, 2 Unit of locally made Riffles, 198 pieces of Cartridges, 473 kegs PMS (11,825 liters)
6 Used vehicles and one means of conveyance
4 sacks 25 kg of Caffeine Ahydrous (This will be subjected to further examination by NAFDAC to ascertained the value). 72 packs soduku plant extraction Toothpaste- 120g, 84 Soduku Vitamin D 108g each. 2 pieces of traditional carvings
The two seized traditional carvings will be sent for expert appraisal to determine the next course of action. This incident underscores the ongoing threat to our cultural heritage; Ogun I command under my watch will act decisively to nip antiquity theft in the bud to protect our national legacy.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) N 721,453,612
It might interest you to know that Arms and Ammunition is classified under schedule 4 of ABSOLUTE PROHIBITION LIST of the Common External Tariff of Nigeria Customs Service.
This monumental Seizure is very commendable at the backdrop of the heightened insecurity in the land. Should OneThousand three Hundred and fifteen explosives and Two Thousand One Hundred and Twenty Eight round of lives ammunition of this magnitude escaped into the country and fall into wrong hands, the consequences will be devastating.
According to him, the command has achieved a robust industrial harmony with all government agencies in Idiroko-Igolo border, especially their host communities, traditional institutions and other sister agencies (the DSS, NIS, NDLEA, NSCDC, NIGERIA MILITARY, NAFDAC, SON, NIGERIA POLICE, PORT HEALTH AND QUARANTINE) as well as compliant traders whose tremendous contribution has been a great success in the out gone year. We look forward for a strengthened collaboration and synergy in this prosperous and glorious New Year 2026.
“As part of our inter-agency collaboration, we are handing over intercepted parcels of cannabis sativa to the Commander, National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command. These include: a. Coconut Size – 3,454 Parcels. b. Bread Size – 169 Parcels’
He stated that the rising frequency of seizures Cannabis Sativa are a major point of concern for the command. Following the 56 seizures recorded in 2025, twenty nine days into this year 2026, they have already intercepted 10 seizures of narcotics of different sizes. This highlights a persistent supply chain driven by local demand. They are utilizing all available resources to track these traffickers and disrupt their supply chain.
Similarly, they are handing over Arms and Ammunition to National Centre for
the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) South West Zone. The
items include: Red star cartridges- 2,128
b. Riodin explosives- 1,315 pieces. c. Dane Guns- 11 units. Revolver pistol- 2 units. e. Locally made guns- 2 units. They equally handed over the following drugs to NAFDAC
72 packs soduku plant extraction Toothpaste- 120g, 84 Soduku Vitamin D 108g each
This handover is in line with our commitment to strengthening partnerships with other security agencies to combat drug trafficking, proliferation of small arms and light weapons and ensure a safer society.
He stressed that Smuggling is a crime and we will continue to treat those who engage in it as criminals. We will continue to police our area of
operations as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023
He expressed his displeasure over the spate at which the smugglers and their sympathizers attack their officers at will from carrying out their constitutional duties. Their officers were recently attacked, shot at with life bullets around Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko axis of the command; their official vehicles were also not spared.
According to him, attacking their officers will not deter the command from performing its legitimate duties. He also warned those disgruntle elements to desist and stop confronting or obstructing officers from carrying out their
legitimate duties as that will no longer be tolerated.
He said no amount of intimidation, force or threat will deter them from doing what they
are employed to do. They will continue to confront the challenges that militate against their successes and build on the achievements made so far in the course of carrying out their mandate.
“I want to use this opportunity to once again call on traditional rulers and community leaders to educate the youths against the dangers of smuggling, particularly the smuggling of Narcotics, Ams and Ammunition.
“This briefing will be incomplete, if I fail to appreciate the continuous support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD who also double as a chair WCO Council. It is my pleasure to also commend the officers and men of Ogun I Area Command for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication to duty. Your hard work and commitment have been instrumental in achieving these milestones.”
He urged the general public to join hands with the Nigeria Customs Service by providing timely and credible information to help us suppress smuggling and other economic crimes. ‘Together, we can build a prosperous nation where
compliance is the norm, and criminality has no place.
He said as they continue in 2026, they remain resolute in delivering on their mandate to
protect the economy, ensure security, and contribute to national prosperity. He assured them that Ogun I Area Command will not relent in its efforts to combat smuggling, facilitate legitimate trade, and generate revenue for national development.