Again, Idiroko Border Locks in Offensive Substances, Record Huge Recovery

…As Afeni Tightens the Noose on Smugglers

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, has once again struck a heavy blow against smugglers, intercepting contraband worth over ₦6.77 billion in just five weeks.

Customs Area Controller, D.C.O.O. Afeni, disclosed the seizures during a press briefing at Idiroko on Tuesday, stressing that the Command remains “a hostile environment for those who seek to undermine our economic stability.”

While the massive haul of contraband includes 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica weighing 4,627kg, valued at over ₦5 billion, other seizures include 1,759 bags of foreign parboiled rice; 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit; 2,685 kegs of vegetable oil; 77 cartons of Analgin injection without NAFDAC approval; 66 bales of secondhand clothing, alongside expired food items, footwear, handbags, and used vehicles.

Afeni also disclosed that six live pangolins intercepted within the period under review have been handed over to the appropriate wildlife agency. The Idiroko border post boss emphasized that the proliferation of illicit drugs poses grave dangers to public health and national security, warning that cannabis abuse fuels crimes such as armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and terrorism.

On sustained offensive against smugglers, the Controller recalled that on March 16, the Command handed over 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command. Rather than slowing down after that milestone, officers intensified operations.

“Since that milestone, we did not retreat nor surrender. Instead, we refined our tactics and re-strategised,” Afeni said.

From January to date, the Command has intercepted 26,002 parcels of cannabis, a figure Afeni described as “not just a seizure, but a preventive measure against drug-related crises.”

This is even as Afeni also highlighted the economic implications of rice and vegetable oil smuggling, noting that the Federal Government’s border restrictions are designed to protect local farmers and industries.

On May 5, officers intercepted a DAF truck loaded with 2,185 kegs of vegetable oil along the Shagamu Interchange/Ogere axis, following what Afeni described as “precise intelligence patrol.” Since his assumption of office, the Command has seized 12,271 kegs of vegetable oil.

“The heavy reliance on imported vegetable oil has a destructive impact on our nation’s economic stability, public health, and agricultural future,” he warned.

On revenue generation and trade facilitation, the Command generated ₦125.4 million between March 16 and May 12 through baggage assessments and auctioning seized petroleum products. It also facilitated the export of 95 metric tons of goods with a Free On Board (FOB) value exceeding ₦1 billion.

Afeni assured legitimate traders of continued cooperation, noting that intelligence-driven operations have reduced complaints about multiple checkpoints along trade corridors.

“Security and trade are two sides of the same coin at the Command. We are not just catching smugglers; we are clearing the path for honest businesses,” he said.

In line with the vision of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Afeni announced the deployment of advanced geospatial technology to modernize border enforcement.

“This transition marks a fundamental shift from traditional patrolling to intelligence-led operations, allowing us to monitor smuggling hotspots across our Area of Responsibility,” he explained.

Afeni expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General, sister security agencies including DSS, NIS, NPF, NDLEA, and stakeholders, while commending officers and men of the Command for their dedication.