The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, has intensified its anti-smuggling drive with a series of high-profile interceptions, seizing Customs orders 14-Day seizure of 905 overtime cargoescontraband goods valued at ₦1.4 billion. The seizures, which include luxury cars, foreign rice, cannabis sativa, and used tyres, were announced by Comptroller Godwin Otunla at a press briefing in Idiroko, Ogun State, on Thursday.
According to Otunla, the seizures demonstrate the command’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and national security from smugglers and their collaborators.
Among the confiscated items were three exotic cars, notably a 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost with a duty-paid value of ₦905 million, a 2014 Formatic Mercedes-Benz worth over ₦21 million, and a 2018 Honda End of Discovery valued at ₦32.2 million.
“These vehicles, aside from their enormous value, symbolize the extent smugglers are willing to go in undermining our economy,” Otunla said.
“We are determined to ensure that such criminal activities do not thrive.”
Other intercepted goods included 4,424 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 1,936 parcels of cannabis sativa, and 105 used tyres.
Otunla also disclosed that the command generated ₦45,054,191 in revenue in July 2025, a 27.47% increase compared to July 2024.
He attributed the growth to improved compliance, intelligence-led operations, and stronger collaboration with stakeholders.
“This increase is proof that our compliance and monitoring strategies are working.
It also reflects the patriotic cooperation of border communities and stakeholders who continue to provide intelligence to our operatives,” he said.
In line with inter-agency collaboration, the seized drugs were officially handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Commander of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, Mr. Ekundayo Williams, commended Customs for the successful interceptions and pledged thorough investigations.
Otunla warned smugglers to desist, stressing that no matter how sophisticated their methods, Customs officers remain vigilant.
“We remain resolute and unyielding. Smugglers should know that our officers are steps ahead of their tricks, and we shall bring the full weight of the law against them,” he warned.
The Customs boss also praised officers of the Ogun 1 Command for their resilience, as well as security agencies and residents of border communities for their intelligence-sharing.
Experts say smuggling not only causes billions of naira in revenue losses but also undermines local industries.
The importation of foreign parboiled rice, in particular, directly conflicts with Nigeria’s food security policy, which prioritizes locally produced rice.
Similarly, the circulation of used tyres poses safety risks, while the smuggling of cannabis sativa fuels insecurity and organized crime.
The Ogun border, considered one of the busiest smuggling corridors, has long been a hotspot for Customs operations.
Analysts suggest that the latest seizures send a strong signal to criminal networks that the Federal Government is intensifying its anti-smuggling campaign.
The Ogun 1 Command is expected to sustain its momentum in the coming months, especially as border communities brace for tighter security ahead of the year-end festive season—a period often marked by increased smuggling attempts.