Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller (DC) Oladapo Afeni, has reaffirmed the command’s resolve to dismantle trans-border smuggling networks operating along the Idiroko–Republic of Benin corridor.
DC Afeni made the declaration during a press briefing held at the Command on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, during which he stressed that the Command would maintain pressure on smugglers across the land border.
“A few weeks ago, on 16 March to be precise, the command handed over 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command and since the milestone, we have not retreated nor surrendered, instead, we refined our tactics and re-strategised”, he said.
The Acting CAC disclosed that recent seizures recorded by the command included 1,759 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica popularly known as Ghanaian Loud, 2,685 kegs of vegetable oil, and 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit concealed in jerricans.
Other intercepted items included 20 cartons of turkey vegetable oil, 226 cartons of Basmati rice, 205 packs of footwear, 26 sacks of raw cannabis sativa, 66 Bales of second-hand clothing, and 11 kegs of diesel, among others.
He valued the seized items at over N6.77 billion, noting that smuggling activities, especially illicit drugs and foreign rice, pose serious threats to public health, local industries, and national security.
The Acting CAC further encouraged compliant traders to remain steadfast and assured of the command’s continued support. “Our doors are widely open for consultation and required support. Security and trade are two sides of the same coin at our Command”, he said.
In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized cannabis sativa was formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and destruction.
Receiving the items on behalf of the NDLEA, the Commander of Idiroko Special Area Command, Commander Ekundayo Williams, described the operation as a major milestone in the fight against illicit drug trafficking. “This is not just an ordinary administrative procedure, but a strong signal to merchants of death that the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA share a strong collaboration in the anti-smuggling fight”, Williams stated.