Ogun Customs Seizes N6.7 bn of Cannabis, Rice, and Other Goods

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced that it has seized contraband worth more than N6.77 billion in a 41‑day period. The haul included over 10,000 parcels of cannabis indica, commonly called “Ghana Loud.”

Acting Customs Area Controller Olukayode Afeni revealed the figures during a news briefing at Idiroko, Ogun State.

Afeni, a Deputy Customs Controller, said the seizures were the result of intensified intelligence operations and cooperation with other agencies aimed at dismantling smuggling networks in Ogun State.

He added that the command remains dedicated to securing Nigeria’s land borders and curbing the activities of economic saboteurs that threaten the country’s economy.

The latest operation produced 73 seizures, comprising 1,759 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica weighing about 4,627 kg with an estimated street value exceeding N5 billion, and 26 sacks of raw cannabis sativa.

Other items seized included 2,685 kegs of 25‑litre vegetable oil, 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit in jerricans, 46 bags of foreign sugar, 66 bales of second‑hand clothing, 205 packs of footwear, 77 cartons of Analgin injection without NAFDAC registration numbers, and 50 cartons of expired Maggi seasoning cubes.

Afeni also reported that the command seized cartons of basmati rice, organic honey, used clothes, diesel, spaghetti, macaroni, ladies’ handbags, and two used vehicles.

Six live pangolins intercepted during the operations have already been handed over to the relevant agency for appropriate action.

He noted that on March 16 the command had handed over 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, and that the recent seizures show Customs officers are intensifying anti‑smuggling strategies rather than easing enforcement.

The acting controller warned that the growing abuse of cannabis poses a serious threat to national security, linking the illicit drug trade to crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, terrorism, and banditry.

He said, “From January to date, we have taken 26,002 parcels of cannabis off the streets. This is not just a seizure; it is a preventive measure against drug‑related crises capable of overwhelming our healthcare and rehabilitation systems.”

“Importation of rice through land borders remains prohibited under federal government policy designed to encourage local production and boost food self‑sufficiency,” Afeni added.

He said persistent smuggling of foreign rice continues to threaten Nigeria’s economic growth and agricultural development, urging Nigerians to support government policies that strengthen local industries.

Highlighting a major interception, Afeni revealed that Customs operatives seized a DAF truck with registration number MSA105XB along the Sagamu Interchange/Ogere axis on May 5, loaded with 2,185 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil.

He said unchecked importation of vegetable oil is harming local producers, threatening jobs, and exposing consumers to health risks associated with adulterated products.

The Customs boss added that another operation on May 7 along the same corridor led to the interception of a Volvo truck carrying unregistered pharmaceutical products, expired food items, rice, vegetable oil, footwear, and used clothes.

Beyond enforcement activities, Afeni announced that the command generated N125.43 million between March 16 and May 12, 2026, through baggage assessment and auction of seized petroleum products.

He further disclosed that the command facilitated exports of 95 metric tonnes of goods valued at over N1 billion Free on Board (FOB), describing it as evidence that legitimate cross‑border trade is gradually improving.

Afeni assured compliant traders that Customs will provide maximum cooperation, stating that the service has begun reducing operational bottlenecks to ease lawful trade activities.

He also revealed that the Ogun I Command is transitioning into a new era of digital enforcement through the deployment of advanced geospatial technology, in line with the modernisation agenda of Comptroller‑General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

The technology‑driven approach will strengthen intelligence‑led border monitoring, improve transparency, and align the command’s operations with global customs standards under the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework.

Afeni commended sister security agencies—including NDLEA, Department of State Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Police—for their collaboration in combating smuggling and trans‑border crimes.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to patriotism, economic security, and the protection of Nigerians from harmful and prohibited goods.