The Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating smuggling and ensuring national security, as it handed over a large cache of seized illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun State Command. The handover took place during a media briefing held in Abeokuta on Thursday, March 6, 2025, where the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, also presented the Command’s February 2025 scorecard.
During the briefing, Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in tackling smuggling and fostering compliance with trade laws. He noted that the Command has intensified its enforcement efforts, leading to the interception of various prohibited items, including smuggled foreign rice, second-hand clothing, used tires, and large quantities of illicit drugs.
In line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, we have deepened our collaboration with key stakeholders, including traditional institutions and security agencies. This approach enhances decision-making, improves communication, and strengthens national security, Shuaibu stated.
Highlighting the seizures made within the past month, the Customs boss disclosed that the Command intercepted:
– 2,145 bags of smuggled foreign rice (equivalent to over four trailer loads)
– 612 bales of second-hand clothing
– 843 pieces of used tires
– 6,625 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) (which was auctioned due to its combustible nature)
– 3,365 parcels and 75 sacks of cannabis sativa, weighing 3,103.3 kg
– 88 cartons of codeine cough syrup
The total duty paid value (DPV) of the seized items amounted to N279,595,038.00, while the Command also generated N9,694,072 in revenue from baggage assessment and auction sales of PMS.
Comptroller Shuaibu further emphasized the Command’s unwavering stance against smuggling and drug trafficking, stressing that criminals attempting to evade security measures would continue to face resistance.
We are resolute in our fight against economic saboteurs. Our intelligence network and operational mechanisms are robust, ensuring that illegal trade and trafficking will not thrive in our jurisdiction, he stated.
In a bid to enhance cross-border trade and security, the Command recently hosted a high-level stakeholder engagement on March 3, 2025. The meeting brought together Customs officers from Ogun 1 and Benin, security agencies, and clearing agents to discuss challenges affecting trade at the Benin Republic-Idiroko border corridor.
While handing over the seized drugs to the NDLEA, Shuaibu reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding the country of illicit substances that threaten public health and safety. He commended the media, security agencies, and host communities for their continued support in the fight against smuggling.
The Comptroller concluded by expressing gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his leadership, as well as to traditional leaders, security agencies, and other stakeholders for their collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
