The Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, Ogun I Area Command has impounded contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value of ₦4.63 billion between April and June and also generated N259.78m within the same period under review
Penpushing reports that the Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference at Idiroko explaining that the achievements were recorded between April 1 and June 23, 2026.
The Comptroller stated that this was as part of intensified efforts to enforce fiscal policies, facilitate legitimate trade and suppress smuggling activities along the nation’s border corridor, adding that some of seizures include 2,807 bags of foreign parboiled rice 50kg each, 9,482 parcels of cannabis sativa
Penpushing further reports that others are 62 sacks of raw marijuana, 16,525 litres of premium motor spirit in kegs, 475 litres of diesel, 7,642 pieces of footwear, 2,427 pneumatic tyres, 63 sacks of foreign sugar among others.
The command, however, handed over 6,981 parcels of Cannabis Indica (Ghanian loud) in different sizes and 62 sacks of raw marijuana to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) Idiroko Special Command for further necessary action.
Penpushing also reports that in same vein, the command handed over a substantial illicit pharmaceutical including 77 cartons of Analgin injection (138,600 tubes) and 100 sachets of Tramadol, with each sachet containing 1000 tablets of 225mg each to NAFDAC.
The Comptroller disclosed that the Command generated ₦259,777,346.89 from baggage assessments, auctions of perishable items, petroleum products and other charges during the period under review, adding that the figure represents a significant increase compared to the ₦76,814,207 collected during the corresponding period in 2025.
“The Command collected revenue to the tune of ₦259,777,346.89 during the second quarter of 2026. This represents an increase of ₦182,445,543.89 over the amount collected in the same period of 2025, translating to a remarkable growth of 238 per cent’, he said.
Penpushing reports that Ayeni attributed the increase to the dedication of officers and strict enforcement of import and export regulations, stressing that the difference recorded was made possible as a result of the resilience of officers
“The difference recorded was made possible as a result of the resilience of officers in ensuring that importers and agents adhere strictly to import and export guidelines in tandem with extant laws,” he added.
Penpushing further reports that he disclosed that the command recorded 146 seizures during the period, including foreign parboiled rice, cannabis, footwear, petroleum products, tyres and other prohibited goods.
The Customs boss recalled that the vehicle, intercepted along the Ijebu-Ode axis on June 3, 2026 carried a conspicuous “For Sale” inscription intended to divert the attention of Customs officers.
Penpushing also reports that he said a thorough physical examination revealed that the vehicle was conveying 2,427 pieces of smuggled pneumatic tyres, while among major interceptions highlighted was the seizure of 2,427 smuggled pneumatic tyres concealed in a truck bearing registration number ENU-660-XY.
The Comptroller said in another operation, operatives intercepted a truck loaded with 113 bags of foreign parboiled rice hidden beneath bags of cement along the Itori-Wasimi-Abeokuta corridor on June 16, 2026, adding that the driver attempted to evade arrest and endangered the lives of officers.
“The driver ignored initial signals to stop and sped off, aggressively attempting to ram the patrol van. Demonstrating high professionalism, our officers successfully brought the vehicle to a halt and apprehended the driver,” he said.
Penpushing reports that Ayeni said the suspect is in custody as at the time of filing this report assuring that he would be prosecuted upon completion of investigations.
The command in another breakthrough intercepted truck carrying 630 bags of foreign parboiled rice along the Afamin-Igbogila axis on June 14, 2026 barely a month after Customs officers seized military camouflage uniforms on the Sagamu Expressway.
Penpushing further reports that he warned that smuggling continued to pose a serious threat to local industries and employment generation, pointing out that allowing uncustomed goods into markets directly undermines and paralyses local industries
“Allowing uncustomed goods of this nature into our markets directly undermines and paralyses local industries, ultimately worsening unemployment among our teeming youth. We remain resolute in our mandate to protect the national economy and secure our land borders,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that Ayeni stated that most of the goods were confiscated because they were either prohibited imports or failed to comply with existing Customs regulations as provided under the Nigeria Customs Service Act.
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