Daud Olatunji
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has announced a series of significant interceptions of illicit goods, including firearms, narcotics, and contraband items, as part of its ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating smuggling and ensuring national security.
The seizures, which occurred between 2024 and early 2025, highlight the Command’s vigilant efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and economy.
In a press conference held at the Idi-Iroko Customs House on January 28, 2025, Comptroller of the Ogun I Area Command, M.S. Shuaibu, disclosed that the operations led to the seizure of 940 rounds of live ammunition, 71 sacks containing illicit goods, and 3,253 parcels of cannabis sativa, a banned substance.
These seizures were part of a larger haul that included 16,712 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 139,881 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which together amounted to a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,267,504,035.
Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, Hammed Oloyede, who made the statement available to PLATFORM TIMES, further disclosed that early in 2025, the Ogun I Area Command continued its vigilant operations.
Among the additional seizures were 2,002 bags of smuggled rice, 6,180 pieces of cutlasses, and 6,375 litres of PMS, with a total DPV of N77,476,185.
According to Oloyede, the Command’s performance in 2024 was remarkable, with a total revenue generation of N275,835,406.
This revenue was derived from various sources, including baggage assessments, auction sales of PMS, and confiscated vehicles.
Oloyede highlighted the importance of this achievement, attributing it to the professionalism and diligence of the officers and the cooperation of compliant traders who work with Customs to ensure that all regulations are adhered to.
Comptroller Shuaibu expressed deep gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, as well as the entire management of the Nigeria Customs Service, for their unwavering support.
He also praised the officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their resilience, dedication, and professionalism in carrying out their duties despite the challenges they face.
In addition to acknowledging the hard work of the Customs personnel, Shuaibu extended his appreciation to various stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the media for their ongoing collaboration in the fight against smuggling and economic crimes.
He emphasized that these combined efforts are critical in protecting Nigeria’s economy and enhancing national security.
Furthermore, Comptroller Shuaibu urged the general public to continue providing credible and timely information that could aid the Command in its mission to protect society from criminal activities, including the illicit trafficking of arms and drugs.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to its core responsibilities of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling efforts, ensuring that Ogun I Area Command remains resolute in its mandate throughout 2025.
“The progress made by the Ogun I Area Command is a reflection of the dedication to national prosperity, security, and economic development,” Shuaibu concluded.
“As we continue our work into 2025, we remain steadfast in our resolve to protect the economy and the well-being of every Nigerian.”
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