By Correspondent in Sango-Ota.
In a major crackdown on smuggling and cross-border crimes, operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, have intercepted and seized 161 items of contraband worth over N314 million between January and March 2025.
Addressing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Idiroko on Tuesday, the Area Comptroller. Mohammed Shuaibu, described the seizures as a significant blow to criminal networks operating in the state.
He disclosed that the illicit goods, intercepted across key smuggling routes in Abeokuta, Ilaro, Ipokia, and Idiroko, include three single-barrel long guns and 100 cartridges—raising security concerns over arms trafficking.
Shuaibu added that the scale of organized smuggling, also include seizure of 150 sacks of Indian hemp, 534 booklets, 239 bread-sized, and 2,926 coconut-sized wraps of cannabis sativa—suspected to be destined for the illicit drug market.
Other confiscated items, according to him are;10 cartons of amoxicillin capsules, 7,242 bags of smuggled parboiled rice, 535 kegs (13,375 litres) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 20 bags each of imported sugar and flour, and 50 bags of POP cement.
Used vehicles and 843 pieces of used pneumatic tyres, suspected to be smuggled into the country, were also impounded,he further told journalists.
In what appeared to be an unusual find, two sacks of cowries and 12 cartons of Ghana soap were also among the seized items.
Comptroller Shuaibu noted that the success was achieved through intensified, intelligence-driven operations and a renewed commitment to curbing economic sabotage. “Our campaign against smuggling is unrelenting, and these seizures are a testament to the dedication of our officers,” he said.
He further stated that N43.4 million was generated from import duties and the auctioning of seized petroleum products within the same period.
The comptroller called on patriotic Nigerians to support the fight against smuggling by providing credible information, while reaffirming the command’s commitment to strong community relations and inter-agency collaboration.
He also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his unwavering support that has empowered the command’s operations.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
