The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a large consignment of suspected illicit and prohibited goods in Ogun State, with the seized items estimated to have a combined duty paid value of N3.57 billion.
The seizures were made by the Ogun I Area Command during operations carried out between June 24 and August 13, 2026, as the command intensified its efforts to tackle smuggling and illegal cross border activities around the Idiroko axis.
Among the major items intercepted were 6,035 parcels of suspected cannabis, including consignments identified as “Ghana Loud”, alongside 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice. The large quantity of suspected cannabis was subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The seizures were disclosed during a press briefing at the headquarters of the Ogun I Command in Idiroko. The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller OO Afeni, said the operation was part of a broader strategy involving intelligence gathering, technology and cooperation with other security agencies.
The customs operation also resulted in the seizure of several other items allegedly brought into the country through prohibited or unauthorised channels. These included 70 cartons of basmati rice, 30 bags of foreign sugar, 11,450 litres of Premium Motor Spirit stored in kegs and another 1,750 litres kept in drums.
Customs officers also intercepted 30 kegs of diesel, 100 bags of fertiliser, 67 bales of second hand clothing and thousands of pieces of new clothing. The seized items included 2,674 new shorts and trousers as well as 3,760 new tops.
Other items recovered during the operations included 85 fire extinguishers, 480 cartons of Pure Haven drinks, 53 packages of oats, 47 cartons of cosmetics, 36 packages of hair accessories, three packages of surgical shoes and 127 new purses.
The scale and variety of the seizures highlight the wide range of goods being moved through Nigeria’s borders outside approved channels. Customs authorities have continued to describe smuggling as both an economic and security challenge, particularly when prohibited goods and illicit substances are involved.
According to the command, the influx of foreign rice and other prohibited products can negatively affect local farmers, manufacturers and legitimate businesses by creating unfair competition for locally produced goods.
The customs authorities also disclosed that the command has handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of raw cannabis sativa to the NDLEA since the beginning of the year.
The latest seizure of 6,035 suspected cannabis parcels was formally transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and appropriate action. The development underscores the role of cooperation between Customs and other security agencies in disrupting the movement of illicit substances across Nigeria’s borders.
Beyond the seizures, the Ogun I Command recorded N90.07 million in revenue in July from various sources, including baggage assessments, auctions of perishable goods, Premium Motor Spirit and other charges.
The command also reported significant export activity during the period, recording 10,110 metric tonnes of exports with a Free On Board value of N2.59 billion. White talc, crushed thermal coal and compressed natural gas were identified as major contributors to the export figures.
Customs officials have urged residents of border communities to play an active role in combating smuggling by providing useful information about suspicious movements and activities. Traditional rulers and youth leaders were also encouraged to support efforts aimed at securing border communities.
Authorities have further appealed to Nigerians to patronise locally produced agricultural and manufactured goods, particularly Nigerian rice. According to the customs authorities, increased support for domestic products could strengthen local industries, create employment opportunities and contribute to improved food security.
The latest operation demonstrates the continuing pressure being placed on smugglers operating around Nigeria’s borders. With the authorities increasingly relying on intelligence, technology and cooperation with agencies such as the NDLEA, security officials say efforts will continue to disrupt the movement of prohibited goods and illicit substances.
For now, the seizure of the suspected cannabis, foreign rice, petroleum products, clothing and other items represents another major operation against cross border smuggling in Ogun State, with the authorities warning that individuals involved in the illegal trade will continue to face enforcement action.
