By Abubakar Yunusa
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, says it has seized contraband goods worth N6.77bn in a renewed offensive against smuggling activities along the nation’s borders.
The Area Comptroller, Mr Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Idiroko, Ogun State.
Afeni said the command recorded several interceptions within 41 days following intensified intelligence-driven operations across known smuggling routes in the state.
He listed the seized items to include 1,759 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 2,685 kegs of 25-litre vegetable oil, and 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
Others were 216 cartons of 20kg Basmati rice, 66 bales of second-hand clothing, 205 packs of footwear and 46 bags of foreign sugar.
The comptroller added that operatives also intercepted 77 cartons of Analgin injection, 16 cartons of organic honey, 50 cartons of expired seasoning cubes, 858 packs of macaroni, two sacks of spaghetti and six pangolins.
According to him, the cumulative Duty Paid Value of the seizures stood at N6.77bn.
Afeni further disclosed that the command generated N125.43m into the Federation Account through baggage assessments and auction sales of seized petroleum products.
He noted that the seizures were made at different locations in Ogun State through sustained intelligence-led operations.
“The command remains steadfast in its mission to secure the land borders, fortify the national economy and dismantle illicit trade networks,” Afeni stated.
The Customs Service has intensified anti-smuggling operations in recent months to curb the influx of contraband goods, illicit drugs and environmentally harmful products into the country.
In February, the service intercepted synthetic cannabis and other contraband items valued at N3.3bn in Lagos.
The seized items included 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, foreign sugar, used vehicles, vegetable oil, PMS and used clothing.
Customs officers also intercepted 3,029 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing about 1,431 kilograms during the operation.
The command additionally rescued four live pangolins handed over to wildlife authorities, while 581 used refrigerator compressors were confiscated over environmental and public health concerns.
Between December 10, 2025, and February 2, 2026, the command also recovered N36.89m through demand notices issued for cargo misdeclaration and other trade compliance violations.
