Ogun Customs Records N1.35bn Contraband Seizure, 1,082% Revenue Surge

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, seized contraband worth N1.35bn between February and March 2026. Acting Area Controller Olukayode Afeni reported a massive 1,082% revenue increase, totaling over N285 million during this period.

Major seizures included thousands of cartons of foreign spaghetti, bags of rice, and cannabis sativa. Notably, two rare historical antiquities were also intercepted and will be handed over to the National Museum in Abeokuta for preservation.

Officers recovered a tanker’s worth of Premium Motor Spirit and over 2,500 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil. These operations aim to protect local Nigerian producers from unfair competition and stop the influx of illegal commodities.

Legitimate trade saw a boost, with 95 metric tons of goods exported, valued at over N305 million. This marks a significant recovery compared to 2025, when the command recorded zero export activity.

Afeni credited high-level intelligence for the success and warned that the command remains vigilant against evolving smuggling tactics. He emphasized that safeguarding national interests and border security remains their top priority.

Issuing a stern warning to criminals, Afeni stated, “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.”