Otunola Reignite Total Offensive Along Idiroko Border Line

…Lands Another N172m Seizure

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Command PRO, Chado showing the hidden wraps of cannabis sativa

Something new is happening at the Idiroko land border axis as the new leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Comptroller Godwin Otunla has practically shut in the passage of questionable and offensive items; reminiscent of the era of Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu.

Barely two weeks the after Otunola displayed a large cache of seizures including illicit substances in the highlighted anti-smuggling operational atmosphere, the Ogun 1 Customs boss yet again last Thursday, announced the interception of 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450kg; with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of One Hundred and Seventy Two Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty Thousand naira (N172,920,000) only.

Otunola addressing newsmen on the recent seizure

Addressing newsmen at the command premises, the focused and result orientated anti-smuggling chief said: “I am pleased to inform you that, in line with this commitment and through sustained enforcement efforts backed by credible intelligence, the Command has recorded yet another remarkable success. By meticulously deploying strategies tailored to counter emerging smuggling trends, our operatives achieved this feat within a matter of days.

Otunola displaying a warp of the illicit substance during the handing over ceremony to representative of the NDLEA

“On Sunday, 29 June 2025, at about 0005 hours, our operatives, during an intelligence-driven operation, intercepted a Mercedes Benz Truck with registration number EPE-595-LA. The vehicle was driven by one Mr. William Asare, a 39-year-old Nigerian resident of Mobil, Challenge area, Ibadan, Oyo State. Upon initial examination, the truck was suspected to be conveying prohibited items. Further inspection revealed that several parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana, had been ingeniously concealed within fabricated compartments – also referred to as a false bottom – of the truck.

“In accordance with Section 226 of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act, 2023, the truck was immediately moved to the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko for further investigation. A comprehensive physical examination revealed a total of 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1,450kg. Other enabling provisions of the NCS Act 2023 that guided this operation include Sections 6 and 250. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizure amount to N172,920,000.”

Continuing, Otunola said, “The successful interception of this large quantity of illicit drugs is a significant step in preventing the circulation of these harmful substances in our communities, especially among our youth and in safeguarding national security. I wish to reaffirm the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and cross-border crimes.”

Speaking further, Comptroller Otunla explained that he has secured the approval of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR to handover the seized narcotics to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in line with the existing standard operating procedure (SOP).

“I will now hand over the seized cannabis and the suspect to the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action.

He used the opportunity to congratulate CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR on his recent election as the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Council Chairman.

“Permit me to use this opportunity to congratulate the CGC on his well-deserved election as the Chairperson of the WCO Council, comprising 186 member countries. This is a prestigious global recognition of his visionary leadership and commitment to reform and modernization in the Nigeria Customs Service.

“I am also pleased to announce that the Command has just taken delivery of 13 operational vehicles, generously allocated by the CGC to boost our operational capacity. We are deeply grateful to him and the entire management team for their continued support and encouragement”, he said.