The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its anti-smuggling operations while facilitating legitimate exports through the state’s strategic border corridors with the Republic of Benin.
Between July 17 and September 17, the command seized prohibited goods with a combined Duty Paid Value of N6.043 billion, including 3,543 bags of foreign parboiled rice, narcotics, petroleum products, clothing, cosmetics and other items. A 2026 Range Rover Sport valued at N417 million was also intercepted.
The command said the seizures were driven by intelligence gathering, technology and frontline operations aimed at disrupting smuggling networks and protecting local businesses from unfair competition.
Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said foreign rice smuggling particularly threatens Nigerian farmers and rice processors by placing locally produced goods under pressure. The command also handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency between January and August 13, 2026.
Beyond enforcement, Ogun I recorded 10,110 metric tonnes of legitimate exports valued at N2.594 billion, mainly involving white talc, crushed thermal coal and compressed natural gas.
The figures highlight Customs’ dual role in protecting domestic production while supporting Nigeria’s non-oil export ambitions and formal trade.
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