The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Ogun I has stepped up its fight against smuggling with remarkable results.
Officers on Thursday confiscated dangerous items including firearms and large quantities of cannabis during intensive operations.
From January through March 2025, they intercepted 161 illegal shipments worth over ₦314 million in potential lost revenue.
Comptroller Muhammad Shuaibu revealed these achievements during a press conference at the Idiroko headquarters last week.
He credited their success to improved intelligence gathering and coordinated field operations across key locations.
The seizures occurred in strategic areas, including Abeokuta, Ilaro and along the Ipokia/Idiroko border route.
Among the confiscated items were three single-barrel rifles and ammunition alongside narcotics.
Authorities also recovered thousands of bags of foreign rice, hundreds of fuel containers, and vehicle loads of used tires.
These operations demonstrateNCS’s expanding capacity to disrupt smuggling networks across multiple fronts.
Beyond enforcement, the command generated ₦43.4 million in legitimate trade revenue during this period.
This represents a ₦7.6 million increase compared to the same timeframe last year.
Officers continue balancing border security with trade facilitation through programs like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme.
TheNCS chief highlighted their community outreach efforts including educational workshops for students and traders.
Their “Customs Cares” initiative recently hosted an arts festival promoting awareness about legal cross-border commerce.
These programs aim to discourage smuggling by demonstrating lawful alternatives.
In a significant handover ceremony, officers transferred the seized cannabis to NDLEA officials for destruction.
The drug enforcement commander praised the interagency cooperation, noting such collaboration strengthens national security.
Both agencies reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating transnational crime.
As operations continue, the Ogun I Command remains focused on protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
Their multifaceted approach combines rigorous enforcement with community engagement and trade promotion.
These efforts not only secure borders but also support the nation’s broader development goals through increased revenue collection.
The recent seizures underscore persistent smuggling challenges along Nigeria’s western frontier.
However, NSC officials express confidence that their evolving strategies will further disrupt illegal supply chains.
They urge public cooperation through tip-offs while warning would-be smugglers of strengthened surveillance capabilities.
Looking ahead, the command plans to deploy additional mobile scanners and detection technology.
These upgrades aim to enhance inspection efficiency while reducing physical searches for legitimate traders.
Such measures demonstrate Customs’ dual focus on security and trade facilitation in border communities.
The Ogun I Area Command’s performance reflects the Nigeria Customs Service’s broader transformation agenda.
Through intelligence-led operations and stakeholder partnerships, they continue making meaningful impacts against illicit trade.
Their work contributes directly to national security and economic stability in the border regions.
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