No smuggling gang blocked Idiroko-Sango Ota Road - Customs

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has refuted claims that smugglers barricaded the Idiroko-Sango Ota road in Ogun State. The command described the reports as false and a misrepresentation of a traffic incident. According to officials, the gridlock stemmed from a commercial trailer breaking down on a damaged section of the Atan Road, causing a temporary obstruction. Vehicles caught in the congestion were legitimate commercial trucks carrying red palm oil, with no connection to smuggling. Zakari Chado, a Superintendent of Customs and the Command's Public Relations officer, stated that the large number of heavy-duty vehicles mistakenly led to public assumptions of smuggling activity. Chado emphasized that the disruption was due to a road accident and poor road conditions, and the vehicles were engaged in lawful trade. The Command appealed to journalists and the public to exercise restraint and verify information before circulating reports that could cause unnecessary panic or erode public confidence in security agencies. Industry observers noted that the allegations contradict the intensified anti-smuggling operations under Acting Customs Area Controller Comptroller O.O. Afeni, who has focused on intelligence-driven surveillance and inter-agency collaboration. These efforts have led to significant seizures, reinforcing the Command's commitment to economic protection. Stakeholders urged accurate reporting to avoid overshadowing operational successes with misinformation.

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The reports that smugglers blocked the road are inaccurate. The disruption resulted from a road accident and poor road conditions. The vehicles involved were lawful commercial vehicles transporting red palm oil for legitimate trade.