Customs Smash N3.57bn Smuggling Ring, Send Strong Warning to Criminals
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has intercepted a massive haul of contraband worth N3.57 billion, dealing a heavy blow to smuggling syndicates operating along the border corridors. The seizures, made between June 24 and August 13, 2026, include thousands of parcels of cannabis, foreign rice, and other prohibited items.
Acting Customs Area Controller Oladapo Afeni paraded the seized goods on Thursday at the command's headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State. He made it clear that the days of easy smuggling are over, promising tougher times for those who dare to test the system.
What exactly did Customs seize?
The haul is staggering. Officers recovered 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica, a dangerous strain of cannabis, along with 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 70 cartons of basmati rice. The list goes on: 30 bags of foreign sugar, 11,450 litres of Premium Motor Spirit in kegs, 1,750 litres of PMS in drums, and 30 25-litre kegs of diesel.
Other items include 100 bags of fertiliser, 67 bales of second-hand clothing, 2,674 pieces of new shorts and trousers, 3,760 pieces of new tops, 85 fire extinguishers, 480 cartons of Pure Haven drinks, 53 packages of oats, 47 cartons of cosmetics, 36 packages of hair accessories, three packages of surgical shoes, and 127 new purses. The total duty-paid value: N3,574,435,248.08.
Why is this crackdown so important?
Afeni did not mince words when explaining the dangers of smuggling, especially foreign rice. He stressed that every bag of smuggled rice undermines Nigerian farmers and the billions of naira invested in achieving food self-sufficiency.
“When foreign rice is smuggled into our markets, it undermines our local farmers and agricultural investors. Our government and local entrepreneurs have invested billions to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.”
He warned that continued smuggling could force local mills out of business, worsen unemployment, and destroy the Federal Government's agricultural agenda. The message is simple: buying smuggled foreign grain means exporting jobs while importing poverty.
What about the drugs?
The cannabis seizures are equally alarming. Afeni described the drugs as a serious threat to young Nigerians and communities, and he vowed to keep working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to dismantle trafficking networks.
“Smuggling of cannabis and dangerous variants like Ghana Loud, Colorado and Cannabis sativa is not a victimless crime. It destroys lives, breeds violence in our neighbourhoods and undermines our economy.”
Between January and August 2026, the command has handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of raw Cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command. Inter-agency collaboration is clearly paying off.
How much revenue did Customs generate?
It is not just about seizures. The command generated N90,066,164 in July 2026 from baggage assessments, auctions of perishable goods, PMS, and other charges. On the export side, the command recorded 10,110 metric tonnes of exports with a Free On Board value of N2,594,078,654 during the review period. That is real money flowing into the nation's coffers.
What is the warning to smugglers?
Afeni sent a direct and bold message to criminal syndicates using Ogun's border corridors as transit routes.
“To the syndicates and smugglers who think they can use Ogun I Command as a transit route for poison, hear this clearly: We are adapting faster than you are. If you do not trade legitimately, we will continue to seize your goods, impound your vehicles and send you to prison.”
He also appealed to traditional rulers, youth leaders, and residents of border communities to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities. And he urged Nigerians to patronise locally produced goods, especially rice, to strengthen domestic industries and boost food security.
What happens next?
The seized narcotics have been handed over to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command for further investigation, following established procedures. Afeni commended his officers for their dedication and thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership.
This is a win for Nigeria. It shows that our security forces are alert, proactive, and ready to protect our economy and our youth. The message is clear: smuggling will not be tolerated, and the law will catch up with you.
Frequently asked questions about the Ogun Customs seizures
What is the total value of the seized contraband?
The total duty-paid value of the seizures is N3,574,435,248.08, approximately N3.57 billion.
What items were seized by Customs in Ogun?
The items include 6,035 parcels of cannabis, 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 cartons of basmati rice, 11,450 litres of PMS, 100 bags of fertiliser, 67 bales of second-hand clothing, and various other goods.
What happens to the seized drugs?
The seized narcotics have been handed over to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command for further investigation and action.
How is Customs fighting smuggling?
The command uses intelligence gathering, technology, and increased enforcement, along with collaboration with other agencies like the NDLEA.