WE HAVE TAKEN 26,002 PARCELS OF CANNABIS OFF THE STREETS; AS D/COMPT AFENI ANNOUNCES N6.7 BILLION SEIZURES OF CONTRABAND IN 5 WEEKS
Ogun 1 Area Controller, O.O Afeni disclosed today that his men intercepted N6.777 billion worth of contrabands in the last five weeks.
Briefing newsmen at the Idiroko command, the anti-smuggling expert stated that majority of the seizures were foreign parboiled rice to the tune of 1,759 bags, 10,126 parcels of cannabis Indica of different sizes (Ghana loud) equivalent of 4627 kg with estimated value of N5 billion. Others are 14,550 liters of PMS and several bales of second hand clothing.
He provided a progress report on their relentless pursuit of economic saboteurs through their Area of Responsibility (AoR). The Ogun I Area Command under his leadership remains steadfast in its mission to secure our land borders, fortify the national economy, and dismantle illicit trade networks.
Their commitment is best illustrated by their latest achievements, they have continued to strike significant blows against smuggling operations, maintaining a vigilant presence across our expansive land borders, preventing the drainage of national resources through illegal trade, dismantling the organized networks that facilitate smuggling, They remain resolute in their duty to ensure that Ogun State and the nation at large remains a hostile environment for those who seek to undermine our economic stability.
According to him, Few weeks ago, march 16 to be precise, the command handed over 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command and since the milestone, we did not retreat nor surrender, instead, we refined our tactics and re-strategise
He said their renewed focus on the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and federal Government fiscal policies has yielded impressive results. Through enhanced intelligence and inter-agency cooperation, the Command intercepted 73 seizures in just five weeks (41 days). The following items were 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 footwears, 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’ handbags, 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
The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items is N6,777,236,000 billon naira. 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.
The Controller 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. its availability would have spiked drug-related health issues and overwhelmed their 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.
He stressed that In their 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 small holder 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 his assumption of duty, I have overhauled their enforcement tactics which has successfully resulted to seizure of 12,271 kegs of vegetable oil at 25litres each. The command under his watch is committed to upholding standards and protecting local jobs. Furthermore to their 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 Rice, 2 sacks of ladies bag, 205 sacks of footwears, 36 cartons of vegetable oil, 16 cartons of organic honey, 7 sacks of used clothes.
Alongside their successful anti-smuggling operations, the Command, from 16 march 2026 up till this morning, 12 may 2026, 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. They are pleased to note that cross-border trade is picking up gradually; his management team remains fully committed to resolving all the bottlenecks. Notably, they 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) He encouraged their compliant traders to remain steadfast and be assured of our maximum cooperation. Their doors are widely open for consultation and required support.
He stated that security and trade are two sides of the same coin at the Command. They are utilizing intelligence to drive their operations; they are not just catching smugglers; they are clearing the path for honest businesses. The proof is on the road complaints regarding multiple checkpoints have disappeared, replaced by a streamlined corridor for legitimate commerce.
Addressing the press, Ogun I Area Command is officially entering a new era of digital enforcement. In alignment with the modernization vision of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, they are deploying advanced geospatial technology to fortify their borders.
This transition marks a fundamental shift from traditional patrolling to intelligence-led operations, allowing them to monitor smuggling hotspots across their Area of Responsibility (AoR) Beyond enforcement, these advancements foster a transparent and accountable administration, one that remains responsive to legitimate trade and fully aligned with the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards.
“The Command wishes to reaffirm its dedication to duty and commitment to ensuring safety and well-being of our people. We remain resolute in carrying out our mandate in Ogun I Command with utmost patriotism. Your support and cooperation with mutual understanding will assist in facilitating our economic growth and social wellbeing.”
In conclusion, he humbly appreciated the enabling support given by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi MFR PhD and his management team. He said it will be an oversight not to recognize and appreciate the concerted and collaborative efforts of DSS, NIS, NPF, NDLEA, all sister agencies, our gallant officers as well as our critical stakeholders.