The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, Ogun State, has intercepted 4,013 wraps of cannabis valued at N1.12bn and seized several other smuggled goods.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, described the cannabis seizure as worrisome, citing its potential impact on young people, public health and national security.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday to showcase the seizures, Ibrahim said the command also intercepted 13 foreign-used vehicles and other items.
The vehicles included a 2008 Hyundai Tucson, three 2013 Honda CR-V jeeps, a 2019 Toyota Venza, a 2022 Lexus LX 600, a 2013 Lexus ES 350, a 2013 Toyota Camry XLE, a 2006 Toyota Avensis Verso, a 2002 Peugeot 406, a 2009 Ford Galaxy and a 2006 Nissan Almera.
Other seized items included one wrap of Canadian Loud, 950 litres of Premium Motor Spirit stored in kegs, 660 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, four bundles of used pneumatic tyres, 106 bales of second-hand clothing, 1,320 pairs of smuggled new shoes, 3,700 pairs of used shoes, 252 imported face caps and 1,250 foreign-used bags.
Ibrahim said the command’s patrol teams carried out intelligence-led operations that led to the interceptions.
“In a single day, on October 2, 2026, to be precise, a patrol team acting on precise intelligence intercepted three trucks,” he said.
He added that the command took the trucks to its headquarters in Idiroko for physical examination under Section 227 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
The command said the seizures formed part of its efforts to combat smuggling and enforce customs regulations.
“After the examination, the trucks were discovered to be conveying prohibited items, as detailed below. The first truck (Sino truck Howo) with Reg No. MSW-232-XA was found to contain 2,740 cartons of foreign Siddo Pasta concealed with 500 cartons of Oki Condensed Milk
“The second Howo truck with Reg No. TFA-674-XA contained 6,000 foreign Ginny pasta. And the third Iveco Elco Truck with Reg No. KMC-702-ZR was found to be conveying 6,500 foreign Doga Pasta
“Again, on 4th October 2026, at about 0134hrs, along the Afamin Dangote-Itori axis of the state, the command intercepted a Dangote truck with Reg. No. FZE-552-DA, carrying 100 bags of foreign parboiled rice concealed in Mica and Gypsum stones.
“In our efforts on border security and public health, on 11th October 2026, the command’s patrol team intercepted a 10-tyre truck with Reg. No. AKL-456-XL. A thorough physical examination revealed that the vehicle was conveying 321 pieces of Army camouflage face caps and 27,831 types of unregistered drugs, such as codeine cough syrup, injections, eye drops and supplements, without NAFDAC Numbers.
“These seizures of large consignments of unwholesome medicaments and restricted military camouflage caps may appear vastly different, but both represent severe threats to our national security, public safety, and human well-being. The five trucks, worth 1,235,000,000, will be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. This is in line with Section 248 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”
The Customs boss stated that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stands at N3,153,591,000, underscoring Customs’ zero-tolerance stance against smuggling and economic sabotage.
He reaffirmed Customs’ strong commitment to safeguarding national security, promoting economic stability, and protecting citizens’ health.
He warned economic saboteurs who may wish to test their resolve that, under his watch, Ogun I Command will not tolerate any form of economic sabotage, saying Customs has deployed all lawful means to combat smuggling and enforce compliance with extant trade laws and regulations, and that its approach will be firm, fair, and intelligence-driven.
“We have intensified surveillance, deployed strategic intelligence, and strengthened collaboration with sister agencies and community stakeholders to enhance border operations. These deliberate efforts have yielded remarkable results of Forty-three (43) seizures within the space of 15 days since I assumed leadership of this command.”
He, however, reaffirmed Customs’ unwavering resolve to sustain momentum, warning smugglers and their collaborators to steer clear of Ogun I Command.
“We remain vigilant, alert, and ready to confront any threat to the economic and security interests of our nation. The Ogun I Command under my leadership will continue to act with integrity, courage, and professionalism, guided by our mandate, and committed to national development.”
Receiving the Cannabis Sativa and other drugs seized by the Customs, NDLEA Commander, Idiroko Area Special Command, Akande Olufemi, lamented that the rate at which many youths indulge in drugs is very alarming and has become a major concern.
He said, “We say no to drug smuggling and other incriminating items; we have been granted approval for public destruction of those drugs in our custody, and these ones we just received will not be an exception.”