The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, has announced the seizure of contraband worth N1,267,504,035 and revenue generation of N275,835,406 in 2024.
Speaking at a press briefing held on Tuesday at the Command’s Idiroko office, the Area Controller, Mohammed Shuaibu, highlighted the achievements recorded by the Command in its fight against smuggling.
According to Shuaibu, the revenue of N275,835,406 was generated through baggage assessments, auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and vehicles.
The seized contraband in 2024 included 16,712 bags of foreign rice (50kg each), 139,881 litres of PMS, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 71 sacks containing 3,253 parcels of cannabis sativa, and 586 bales of used clothing.
Other seized items comprised 86 vehicles used for smuggling, 18 foreign-used vehicles, 2,150 used pneumatic tyres, 760 pieces of donkey skin, 3,766 cartons of poultry products, and 85 bags of flour. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures amounted to N1,267,504,035.
Shuaibu stated, “These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our officers to combating smuggling activities, protecting the economy, and safeguarding the well-being of society.”
He further disclosed that between January 1 and 27, 2025, the Command recorded additional seizures valued at N77,476,185. Items confiscated within the period included 2,002 bags of smuggled rice (50kg each), 6,180 pieces of cutlasses, and 6,375 litres of PMS.
“These seizures reflect our relentless efforts to curtail smuggling activities and enforce compliance with customs regulations,” he noted.
In line with inter-agency collaboration, Shuaibu handed over seized drug substances to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command.
The items included 1,019 coconut-sized parcels of cannabis sativa, 25 book-sized parcels, and 140 bread-sized parcels.
“This handover underscores our commitment to partnering with other security agencies to combat drug trafficking and ensure a safer society,” Shuaibu added.
The Area Controller warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities, emphasising that the Command remains resolute in delivering its mandate to protect the economy, ensure security, and contribute to national prosperity in 2025.
He urged the public to support the Nigeria Customs Service by providing timely and credible information to combat smuggling and economic crimes.
“Together, we can build a prosperous nation where compliance is the norm, and criminality has no place,” he said.
Shuaibu also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and support, while commending the professionalism and dedication of officers under his command.
He encouraged them to “intensify efforts to safeguard the country’s borders in the new year 2025.”
