With a firm resolve to conquer smuggling in the South West, the Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service Idiroko Border, has made significant milestones in its operations by intercepting a huge consignment of contrabands
By Edu Abade
With a firm commitment to combat smuggling and resolve not to bow to the antics of recalcitrant economic saboteurs who undermine our nation’s economy and security, the Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, has recorded significant seizures of illicit drugs, other items and their means of conveyance.
Speaking at a media briefing to announce the seizures, Customs Area Controller (CAC) Ogun I Area Command, Comptroller Godwin Otunla said the Command has sustained the momentum and recorded remarkable achievements within a short period, saying through intelligence-driven operations, resilience and the unwavering commitment of our gallant officers, the men and officers successfully made significant seizures.
Giving details of the seizures, Otunla revealed that the Command intercepted 4, 424 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice in over seven truckloads; 50 sacks and 1,936 parcels of coconut size Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana; 105 pieces of used pneumatic tyres, as well as 21 bales and three sacks of used clothing items.
Others are three units of foreign-used vehicles, commonly known as Tokunbo including a Rolls Royce worth billions of Naira and 6,400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol, all with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.401 billion, “representing a significant economic loss to smugglers but a huge gain to our national economy and security.”
On revenue generation, Otunla disclosed that the Command generated a total revenue of N45,054,191 which is higher than the N35,327,852 recorded in the corresponding month of 2024.
“This represents a commendable increase of 27.47 percent. This remarkable growth is a reflection of our enhanced compliance drive, improved monitoring of border activities and robust stakeholder engagement,” he said.
“Consistent with our inter-agency collaboration framework, the illicit drugs seized will today be handed over to the Commander of the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action.
“This synergy is not only in compliance with government directives but also reinforces our collective determination to safeguard public health, ensure national security and protect the future of our youths from the devastating effects of hard drugs,” he added.
The controller commended the gallant officers and men of Ogun I Area Command for their resilience and dedication and appreciated the support of sister security agencies and the cooperation of patriotic members of the border communities who continue to provide credible intelligence to aid its operations.
He restated the Command’s resolution to fight smuggling, which he says remains a collective responsibility, adding, “We shall continue to build on collaboration, intelligence sharing, and innovation, in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who has been consistent in his drive for consolidation, collaboration, and innovation.
“Once again, we sound a clear warning to smugglers and their collaborators that Ogun I Command will not relent. We remain vigilant, resolute and unyielding. No matter the sophistication of your tricks, our officers will continue to thwart your antics and we shall bring the full weight of the law against you.”
