Customs Command Seizes Explosives, Cannabis in Major Crackdown at Idiroko

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced sweeping enforcement successes, including the seizure of over 13,000 parcels of cannabis sativa, 1,315 explosives, and 2,128 live cartridges, in a decisive crackdown against smugglers at the Idiroko border.

Acting Customs Area Controller, OO Afeni, via a release made available by the Command Public Relations Officer, SC Chado, disclosed the figures during a press conference on January 29, 2026, emphasizing that such seizures prevented dangerous contraband from slipping into the country at a time.

According to him, in 2025 alone, the command recorded 487 seizures valued at ₦4.13 billion, ranging from foreign parboiled rice (22,725 bags) and premium motor spirit (66,725 liters) to narcotics, arms, and ammunition. The haul also included crystal meth, heroin, used vehicles, and locally made firearms. Afeni warned that the consequences of these items reaching criminal networks would have been “devastating.”

Already in 2026, enforcement has intensified. Within the first 29 days, officers intercepted 3,738 parcels of cannabis, 1,042 bags of rice, 780 used tyres, and multiple firearms, with a duty paid value of ₦721.4 million. Two seized traditional carvings were also flagged for expert appraisal, highlighting concerns over antiquity theft and cultural heritage protection.

As part of inter-agency collaboration, the command formally handed over the seized cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), arms and ammunition to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), and additional drugs, including 72 packs of Soduku plant extraction toothpaste and 84 packs of Soduku Vitamin D to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Afeni stressed that these handovers reflect the command’s commitment to strengthening partnerships against drug trafficking and the proliferation of small arms.

Afeni also issued a stern warning to smugglers and their sympathizers following recent violent attacks on customs officers in the Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko axis. Officers were reportedly shot at with live bullets, and official vehicles vandalized. “Attacking our officers will not deter the command from performing its legitimate duties,” Afeni declared, cautioning that such confrontations will no longer be tolerated. He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to educate youths on the dangers of smuggling, particularly narcotics and arms.

Beyond enforcement, the command reported strong revenue performance, remitting ₦454.6 million in 2025, a 47% increase from 2024, and ₦106.2 million in January 2026 alone. Afeni credited diligent officers and compliant traders for the gains, pledging to consolidate achievements in revenue generation, anti-smuggling, and trade facilitation.

In his closing remarks, Afeni expressed appreciation to Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, who also chairs the World Customs Organization Council, for his continuous support. He commended the resilience and professionalism of Ogun I Area Command officers, while calling on the public to provide timely and credible information to help suppress smuggling.

“As we continue in 2026, we remain resolute in delivering on our mandate to protect the economy, ensure security, and contribute to national prosperity,” Afeni concluded. “No amount of intimidation, force, or threat will deter us from doing what we are employed to do.”

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