Makes 43 seizures with a total DPV of N3.2bn in 15 days
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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Operatives of the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, have intercepted and confiscated 321 pieces of military camouflage face caps and 27,831 different unregistered drugs such as codeine cough syrup, injections, eye drops and supplements without NAFDAC numbers.
Operatives of the command equally intercepted two other trucks used in smuggling prohibited items into the country through land borders.
The new Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, who made this known while addressing journalists on Thursday at the Command Headquarters, Idiroko, said that no fewer than 43 seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦3,153,591,000 were made by his operatives within 15 days of him assuming office.
Ibrahim added that since he assumed duty on 29 September 2026, he has led a team of dedicated officers committed to revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He explained that the press briefing was to highlight progress in border security and anti-smuggling through strategic enforcement and collaboration, and to reaffirm the Service’s commitment to safeguarding national security, promoting economic stability and protecting public health.
He recalled that in his inaugural speech, he warned economic saboteurs that Ogun I Command under his watch would not tolerate economic sabotage, pledging to deploy all lawful, firm, fair and intelligence-driven means to enforce extant trade laws.
He disclosed that the command has intensified surveillance, deployed strategic intelligence and strengthened synergy with sister agencies and community stakeholders, which yielded the 43 seizures.
Giving the highlights of the seizures, he said on 2 October, acting on precise intelligence, a patrol team intercepted three trucks which were taken to Idiroko for physical examination in line with Section 227 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“The examination revealed that a Sino truck Howo with Reg. No. MSW-232-XA was conveying 2,740 cartons of foreign Siddo Pasta concealed with 500 cartons of Oki Condensed Milk; a second Howo truck with Reg. No. TFA-674-XA contained 6,000 cartons of foreign Ginny Pasta; and an Iveco Elco Truck with Reg. No. KMC-702-ZR was conveying 6,500 cartons of foreign Doga Pasta.
“Other major interceptions include a Dangote truck with Reg. No. FZE-552-DA intercepted on 4 October 2026 along Afamin Dangote-Itori axis conveying 100 bags of foreign parboiled rice concealed in Mica and Gypsum stones, and a 10-tyre truck with Reg. No. AKL-456-XL intercepted on 11 October 2026 conveying 321 pieces of army camouflage face caps and 27,831 pieces of different unregistered drugs including codeine cough syrup, injections, eye drops and supplements without NAFDAC number,” the Acting Customs Area Controller stated.
Ibrahim, however, disclosed that the five trucks valued at ₦1,235,000,000 will be forfeited to the Federal Government in line with Section 248 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
He listed other seizures to include 4,013 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 1 wrap of Canadian Loud, 950 litres of PMS, 660 bags of 50 kg foreign parboiled rice, 4 bundles of used pneumatic tyres, 106 bales of second-hand clothing, 1,320 pieces of new shoes, 3,700 pieces of used shoes, 252 pieces of imported face caps, 1,250 pieces of foreign used bags and 13 units of foreign-used vehicles.
Ibrahim, who said that the seized unwholesome medicaments, restricted military camouflage and Cannabis Sativa pose severe threats to national security, public safety and youth well-being, handed over the Cannabis Sativa to the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, in line with inter-agency synergy.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General for his dynamic leadership and commended officers and men of the Ogun 1 Area Command for their patriotism.
Ibrahim further acknowledged sister agencies, traditional institutions, youths and the media for their support, warning smugglers and collaborators to steer clear of Ogun I Command as the command will continue to act with integrity, courage and professionalism.