Comptroller Olukayode Afeni Records N1.350bn Worth Of Seizures In Six Months, Intercepts 19 Century Artefacts.
By Asuquo Nuwak
Comptroller Olukayode Afeni Records N1.350bn Worth Of Seizures In Six Months, Intercepts 19 Century Artefacts.
The Ogun 1 Area Command under the leadership of Deputy Comptroller O.O. Afeni has recorded a total sum of N1.350 billion worth of seizures of prohibited items.
Comptroller Afeni who disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Idiroko border, also noted that the seizures recorded in the last six weeks included 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to two trailer loads of rice), 2,547 parcels of cannabis sativa of different sizes ( the Ghana loud strain with a luxury price tag to match its heavy-hitting profile).
The breakdown of the seizures include 545 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) equivalent to 13,625 litres, four pangolin which has been handed over to green finger’s Wildlife Conservation,36 cartons of Bardinet syrup, used cars as well as two pieces of antiquities.
Comptroller Olukayode Afeni who said the command will continue to exercise their statutory responsibilities in the interest of overall socio-economic prosperity of the country, said that their zeal and determination to make the command unfavorable to smugglers is still ongoing.
He pointed out that the successful interventions underscores their unwavering commitment to suppressing smuggling.
Still, he said by removing these illicit goods from the market, we are ensuring a competitive trade environment that protects the local vegetable oil industry and safeguards the health of the citizens in line with the mandate of President Bola
Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
He assured the general public that the command with the full support of the CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR will do everything possible to ensure that smuggling of vegetable oil and other prohibited items is addressed and in due course collapse as command is strategically positioned to decisively truncate those with malicious intentions.
He recalled that on the 16th of December 2025, the command paraded a total of 2,090 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil at 25 litres each, in their continuous efforts at stamping out unhealthy competition with their dedicated local producers of vegetable oil in Nigeria.
He noted that officers of the command who were on Precise Intelligence Patrol around Agbara axis on 11th March, 2026 successfully intercepted a truck with registration number APP-740-YD.
The report said upon inspection, the vehicle was found to convey 2,539 kegs of vegetable oil at 25 litres each.
Accordingly, preliminary investigation revealed that they were smuggled through the creeks in trickles, while full investigation is still underway.
Besides, this significant seizure followed an earlier operation on March 4th, 2026, where the command intercepted a Sino truck loaded with 4,325 cartons of foreign spaghetti (10kgeach), announcing a persistent trend in the smuggling of essential commodities.
He said in just six weeks ago, on January 29th, 2026, precisely he embarked on a relentless campaign against smuggling and economic sabotage.
Aside from this, he said under his leadership, the command remain steadfast in protecting the national economy and security from those who choose to defy the law.
He disclosed that in accordance with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrust, the command will formally transfer custody of 2,547 intercepted parcels of Cannabis Sativa to the Commander of the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command.
Accordingly, these include 2,055 pieces of coconut sizes (710kg),15 pieces of bread sizes (381kg), with the total kg of 2,543 pieces
He said as part of their commitment to preserving cultural heritage and preventing the loss of historical artefacts, the command has officially transferred two antiquities to the Curator of National Museum, Baptist Girls Collage, Idi-aba Abeokuta, Ogun state, following an expert appraisal.
He told Journalists that war on smuggling continues, though stressing that smugglers may adopt new tactics to evade their checks, but they will remain unsuccessful.
He said due to the command’s high-level intelligence and their strategic monitoring, they are always one step ahead.
He told the economic saboteurs and their sponsors that there is no trick they cannot uncover.
However, he said the priority of the command is to keep the borders safe from any inimical activity that would compromise their national interests, in line with the international trade agreement and by extension national security.
Comptroller Olukayode Afeni who thanked all Nigerians especially the local business community for their continuous support, also appreciated the media houses in the state for their balance reportage
He said during the period under review, the command collected a total sum Of N285, 652, 460, 00.
According to the report, this amount surpasses what was generated in the same period last year 2025 with N259, 265,495.00 million which translate to 1082%.
Meanwhile, he said some of the seizures
are from baggage assessments and auction sales of petroleum products (PMS) intercepted during anti-smuggling operations.
He reiterated that the revenue activity of the command comprises importation and exportation of legitimate goods, goods under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and assessment of merchandise in baggage.
In the area of export, he said the command recorded a significant surge in export activity, moving 95 metric tons of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value at ₦305,749,264.05 million.
Indeed, this represents a substantial year-on-year improvement, compared to the same period in 2025, which saw zero export trade.
He commended the patriotic collaboration and tremendous assistance the command always receive from traditional leaders, eminent personalities and some host communities, including members of the press in their resolute drive against smuggling in the overall interest of the nation.
It is pertinent to state that, customs will continue to actualize sustainable campaigns and strict enforcement of Federal Government fiscal policies with a view to encouraging compliant traders, while sustaining the fight against smugglers and improved synergy with other security agencies.
At the end, he humbly extended his sincere gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD and his management team for their continued confidence in the ability to execute their duties with excellence and dedication
Meanwhile, during the visit of the National president of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, Comptroller Olukayode Afeni said her visit is not only historic but symbolic.
Additionally, he said this visit underscores the deep commitment of COWA under her purposeful leadership to promoting environmental sustainability, community development, and the welfare of families within the customs community, especially along the border corridors.
In short, he said the seized artefacts, and
Green Border Initiative align perfectly with global and national calls for environmental responsibility.
He said Ogun I Area Command, is deeply conscious of the delicate balance between trade facilitation, border security, and environmental preservation.
This initiative, according to the report, comes as a welcome complement to the operational goals, particularly as they continue to strengthen partnerships with their host communities for peace, security, and prosperity.
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