Ogun Customs intercept N3.57bn contraband, promise smugglers tougher time

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, announced the interception of contraband valued at N3.57 billion. The seizures, made between June 24 and August 13, 2026, included 6,035 parcels of cannabis, 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and various other prohibited items.

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The seized items included 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica, 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 cartons of basmati rice, 30 bags of foreign sugar, 11,450 litres of Premium Motor Spirit in kegs, 1,750 litres of PMS in drums and 30 25-litre kegs of diesel.

Acting Customs Area Controller Oladapo Afeni stated that the operation is part of an intensified crackdown on smuggling. He highlighted the severe dangers posed by smuggled goods, particularly foreign rice, which undermines local farmers and the government's push for food self-sufficiency. Afeni warned that continued smuggling could lead to the closure of local mills, increased unemployment, and hinder national agricultural goals.

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Smuggling is often painted by perpetrators as a harmless commercial venture or a simple means of survival. Today, I am here to clear that misconception and lay bare the severe dangers that the smuggling of foreign rice and other prohibited items poses to us all.

Afeni also addressed the threat of seized cannabis, emphasizing its danger to Nigerian youth and communities. He affirmed the agency's collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to dismantle drug trafficking networks. "Smuggling of cannabis and dangerous variants like Ghana Loud, Colorado and Cannabis sativa is not a victimless crime," Afeni stated, linking it to destroyed lives, neighborhood violence, and economic damage.

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When foreign rice is smuggled into our markets, it undermines our local farmers and agricultural investors. Our government and local entrepreneurs have invested billions to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.

The command plans to enhance its anti-smuggling efforts through intelligence gathering, technology, and increased enforcement. Afeni promised to make operations increasingly difficult for those involved in illicit trade, aiming to protect the nation's economy and citizens.

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By buying smuggled foreign grain instead of locally processed rice, we effectively export jobs to other countries while worsening unemployment and poverty at home.