The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to eradicating counterfeit goods, unwholesome drugs, and border security threats through strengthened inter-agency collaboration.
According to a press release issued on Wednesday by Chado Zakari, Deputy Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, this resolve was highlighted during two separate high-profile strategic visits to the Command Headquarters in Idiroko by leadership from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the 35 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army.
Dr. Martin Iluyomade (fsi), Director of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Substandard Products at NAFDAC, paid a courtesy call on the Ag. Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Oludayo Afeni, to establish robust, intelligence-driven operations aimed at intercepting substandard and expired goods before reaching Nigerian markets.
Dr. Iluyomade commended the Command’s anti-smuggling track record and advocated for real-time information sharing and streamlined enforcement to protect public health and local industries.
DC Oladapo Afeni emphasized that dismantling organized smuggling syndicates requires inter-agency coordination, noting that our resolve to secure the nation’s borders against illicit trade is unwavering. Strengthening our partnership with the Federal Task Force will enhance our operational efficiency and ensure importers of fake and substandard items find no safe haven within our jurisdiction.
Both agencies urged importers, clearing agents, and border communities to prioritize compliant trade and report suspicious activities to security authorities.
In a parallel engagement to bolster tactical border security, the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, Brigadier, General Friday Oguche Onu, paid an official visit to DC Afeni to enhance security architecture across Ogun State’s border corridors.
Brigadier General Onu pledged continuous operational backstopping and intelligence sharing from the Nigeria Customs service, Ogun I Command in particular to counter trans-border crime, smuggling, and regional threats. Security along our border communities requires a seamless, unified front. The 35 Artillery Brigade remains fully committed to fostering joint operations to safeguard national security and economic stability, General Onu stated.
The Ag. Customs Area Controller Ogun I Command DC Afeni appreciated the military’s steadfast support, reaffirming that joint tactics remain vital to suppressing illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade.
Solidifying Partnership,
the high-level visits featured formal presentations of commemorative plaques, the signing of the official visitors’ register, and joint group photographs with senior officers of the respective formations.