Anti-Smuggling: Ogun Area 1 Customs Battles Smugglers, Economic Saboteurs Frontally
- Records 2,145 Bags of Rice Seizures,
- Comptroller Shuaibu hands over 3,103kg of Cannabis Sativa to NDLEA
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1, (Idiroko) Command has continued to battle the menace of Smuggling across the Ogun State border axis reputed to be the nation’s most notoriety Smuggling hot bed.
Headed by a renowned and revered enforcement officer of no mean repute, Comptroller MS Shuaibu as Customs Area Controller (CAC), the command has continued to have a commanding stance against activities of the unscrupulous elements with consistent bombardment and day to day seizures being recorded by officers and men of the command.
Under the watch of Comptroller Shuaibu, the command has cause to brief the press almost on a monthly basis to showcase humongous seizure achievements running into several millions of naira.
In the most recent press briefing, Comptroller MS Shuaibu gave detailed enforcement/seizure achievements and performance record of the command in the last one month when he disclosed that a total worth of N279,595,038.00 from various offensive seizures interceptions were recorded across the Ogun 1 Command jurisdiction in the period under review.
The CAC gave the breakdown of the impounded items to include Smuggled 2,145 Foreign Rice, an equivalent of over four (4) trailers load; 612 Bales of Second-Hand Clothing; 843 Pieces of Used Tires; as well as 6,625 litres Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which has been auctioned due to its combustible nature.
Another very important seizure made by the command under the reviewed period include Cannabis Sativa in different sizes, such as coconut sizes: 1,057 Parcels; bread sizes: 159 Parcels; book sizes: 2,074 Parcels and 75 sacks, all amounting to a total marijuana seizure of 3,365 parcels and 75 sacks with 3,103.3kg in weight.
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the entire cumulative seizures amount to N279,595,038.00.
Meanwhile, Comptroller Shuaibu had said that the Command has continued to prioritize stakeholder engagement in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, noting that it is imperative to continue to sensitise and educate the public on the pivotal role of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in fostering national security and economic stability. In addition, he said the command under his watch will relentlessly enforce government policies in strict adherence to the law and international best practices.
“As many of you may recall from our last briefing, we declared our resolve to eradicate illegal trade in dangerous drugs and other contraband within our operational areas.
“Since that time, and within the past two weeks, our operatives have significantly increased their efforts to combat smuggling, leading to the successful interception of a variety of prohibited items”.
Continuing, he said “The Customs Service Act, 2024, specifically sections 6, 212, 226, 233, and 245, grants Customs officers significant powers, including the authority to patrol freely, seize smuggled goods, detain contraband items, condemn illegal goods, and enter premises. “These legal powers have been crucial in enabling us to perform our duties with efficacy.
He also said that since his assumption of office at the Command, his led management have implemented various strategies that have resulted in numerous successful seizures some of which are stated here.
On the command’s revenue collection mandate, Comptroller Shuaibu said he is pleased to announce that the Command under his watch has generated a total sum of N9,694,072 as revenue from baggage assessment and auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). He noted that this contribution to the national revenue is an important aspect of their duty to support the financial objectives of the Federal Government.
However, in a bid to upscale the revenue profile of the Command, and by extension to enhance the economic growth as well as national security of the nation, the CAC highlighted resolutions from recent stakeholders’ meeting held on 3 March 2025. He explained that during the meeting organized by the command, which have in attendance Customs officers from Ogun 1 and Benin, Secretary-General Inter-Border Security Forum, security agencies, and clearing agents from both Nigeria and the Benin Republic., they convened a crucial dialogue on the challenges affecting the free flow of legitimate cross-border trade.
The engagement, he said was pivotal in identifying solutions to enhance trade and security at the Benin Republic-Idiroko border corridor”.
Meanwhile, the CAC also announced the handing over about 3,365 parcels and 75 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 3,103.3kg, as well as 88 cartons of codeine cough syrup, seized by operatives Command operatives to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ogun State Command for proper disposal and further investigation.
He noted that the items being handed over reflect the ongoing efforts of the Command to curb the distribution of illegal narcotics within the country, which pose significant threats to the health and safety of our citizens.
Also, he pointed that the action sends clear and unequivocal message to those who still indulge in illegal activities, noting that the operatives of Ogun 1 Command will continue to carry out their statutory responsibilities with dedication, ensuring that such illegal enterprises do not thrive in their area of responsibility.
The CAC vows that they will remain relentless in their fight against smugglers, that every tactic employed by criminals to circumvent security checks will be futile, as the NCS intelligence network, systematic monitoring, and operational mechanisms are robust and effective in identifying and tracking these economic saboteurs and their sponsors.
He further ensured that the primary focus of the command at ensuring that the nation’s borders are secured, with national interests protected, is non negotiable. They also include ensuring compliance with international trade agreements and safeguarding national security.
Comptroller MS Shuaibu while full of appreciation to the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management team for their continued confidence in their ability to execute their duties with excellence and dedication, also appreciated well-meaning Nigerians, particularly, the local business communities, for their continued support.
He also sincere thanked the traditional leaders, sister security agencies, distinguished personalities, host communities, and the media for their unwavering collaboration and support in their fight against smuggling.
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