Customs rakes in N454.6m, seizes N4.1bn contraband in Ogun border crackdown

ABIODUN TAIWO, ABEOKUTA

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced that it generated over N454.6 million revenue for the Federal Government in 2025, alongside the seizure of contraband items valued at more than N4.1 billion in duty paid value.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, O.O Afeni, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference held at the Idiroko border in Ogun State, where seized cannabis, arms, and ammunition were formally handed over to relevant agencies.

Afeni said the achievements recorded by the command underscore its commitment to Customs’ mandates of revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and trade facilitation.

According to him, the command remitted a total sum of N454,672,406.30 into federation and non-federation accounts in 2025.

He noted that the figure represents a significant increase when compared with the N275.8 million generated in 2024.

“This clearly shows that the revenue profile of the command has significantly increased by about 47 per cent,” Afeni said.

The Customs boss added that the command has already commenced 2026 on a stronger footing, generating N106.2 million between January 1 and January 28.

He explained that the amount surpassed the N89.5 million generated within the same period in 2025, marking what he described as an 84.3 per cent increment.

Afeni attributed the improved revenue drive to the diligence of Customs officers and the cooperation of compliant traders operating across the border corridor.

“The revenue was actualised through baggage assessment and proceeds from auction sales of seized Premium Motor Spirit,” he said.

On anti-smuggling enforcement, the controller disclosed that the command recorded a total of 487 seizures in 2025 through intelligence-driven operations.

Items intercepted included 22,725 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to 37 trailer loads, as well as 2,669 kegs of PMS containing about 66,725 litres.

Other seized goods included 13,332 parcels of cannabis sativa, 2,128 cartridges, foreign used vehicles, tyres, vegetable oil, explosives, and hard drugs such as methamphetamine and heroin.

Afeni revealed that the duty paid value of seized items in 2025 stood at N4,130,931,100, compared to N1.79 billion in 2024.

“This shows an increment of N2.33 billion, which is a testament to the commitment of our officers,” he declared.

The acting controller also announced fresh seizures recorded within the first 29 days of 2026, including 1,042 bags of smuggled rice and 3,738 parcels of cannabis sativa.

Additional interceptions included 780 used tyres, locally made rifles, 198 cartridges, 473 kegs of PMS, used vehicles, and suspected pharmaceutical substances.

Afeni disclosed that two seized traditional carvings would be sent for expert appraisal, stressing that Customs would act decisively against antiquity theft.

“Under my watch, we will act decisively to nip antiquity theft in the bud to protect our national legacy,” he warned.

He further emphasised that arms and ammunition fall under Schedule 4 of the absolute prohibition list of the Common External Tariff.

“Should one thousand three hundred and fifteen explosives and over two thousand rounds of ammunition escape into wrong hands, the consequences will be devastating,” he said.

Afeni commended inter-agency cooperation at the Idiroko-Igolo border, listing DSS, NDLEA, NIS, NSCDC, Police, Military, NAFDAC, SON and host communities as key partners.

As part of collaboration, Customs handed over cannabis parcels to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, including 3,454 coconut-size and 169 bread-size wraps.

He expressed concern over the rising frequency of narcotics seizures, revealing that 10 drug interceptions had already been recorded within the first month of 2026.

“This highlights a persistent supply chain driven by local demand. We are utilising all available resources to track these traffickers,” Afeni stated.

The command also handed over ammunition, explosives, dane guns, pistols, and locally made firearms to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, South West Zone.

Afeni condemned attacks on Customs officers, disclosing that operatives were recently shot at around the Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko axis.

“Attacking our officers will not deter the command from performing its legitimate duties. No amount of intimidation will stop us,” he vowed.

Afeni called on traditional rulers and community leaders to educate youths against smuggling, while assuring that Ogun I Area Command would remain resolute in protecting the economy and securing Nigeria’s borders.