N3.57bn Worth of Smuggled Items Intercepted by Customs in Ogun State

In a move aimed at curbing the menace of smuggling and protecting the nation's economy, the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has made a significant seizure of smuggled goods valued at N3.57 billion. According to the Acting Area Comptroller, Mr. Olukayode Afeni, the Command has been intensifying its operations since June 24 to safeguard local industries and national security. The seized items include a large quantity of foreign parboiled rice, basmati rice, Ghana Loud/Indica, foreign sugar, and petrol, among others. Mr. Afeni emphasized that smuggling is a form of economic sabotage that undermines the nation's food security and poses health risks to consumers. He noted that the practice of smuggling foreign rice into the country is detrimental to local farmers and the economy at large. The Acting Comptroller also handed over seized narcotics to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), stressing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse. The Command has recorded significant revenue generation and export activities, with over N90 million generated in July 2026 and 10,110 metric tons of exports valued at N2.59 billion. Mr. Afeni warned smuggling syndicates to desist from their activities, urging them to trade legitimately or face the consequences. He also called on traditional rulers, youth leaders, and border residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities. The Deputy Commandant of the NDLEA, Wole Fagbohun, commended the Customs Service for its efforts in combating drug trafficking and promised that the seized substances would be properly documented and investigated.