Compt. Afeni fulfil his promise with Smugglers, Seizes Contraband Goods Worth ₦2bn in 11 Days 

By. Precious Ogunrombi

The new Area Comptroller of Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) within 11 days in office made an unprecedented seizure of contraband goods worth Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦2,006,008,898.00.

This was disclosed on Tuesday, 17 December 2025, by the new Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, during his maiden press briefing held at the Command headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.

AAccording to him, the seizures is the highest ever recorded within such a short period in the history of the Command, “From my first day in office, I made it clear that Ogun I Command will not tolerate economic sabotage. Our strategy is firm, fair, intelligence-driven, and uncompromising,” he said.

Among notable seizures were: An Iveco truck (RMY-354-XA) conveying 4,998 cartons of Doga Spaghetti (10kg) and 419 cartons of Oba Spaghetti (10kg) illegally imported from Turkey; A DAF truck (JHN-590-XA) carrying 2,200 kegs of 25-litre vegetable oil of Indonesian origin.

Afeni disclosed that the combined DPV of the food items stood at ₦291,260,000, while the seized trucks used as means of conveyance were valued at ₦220,000,000.
He warned that such unregulated food imports pose grave health risks, having bypassed mandatory quality and safety checks.

Other seizures made across multiple locations in Ogun State included: Crystal Meth (Ice): 11 wraps (12kg); Heroin: 16 wraps (16kg); Cannabis Sativa: Donut size – 128 wraps, Coconut size – 2,752 wraps, Booklet size – 401 wraps, Totalling: 3,373 wraps weighing 1,502kg. Also Premium Motor Spirit (PMS): 6,750 litres; Foreign parboiled rice (50kg): 4,738 bags; Foreign-used vehicles: 2 units; Used pneumatic tyres: 309 bundles; Means of conveyance: 8 units.

The seizures, he disclosed were recorded across the Idiroko/Owode, Ipokia, Imeko, Abeokuta, Lusada/Ado-Odo, and Abule-Kazeem/Igbo-Ora axes, among others.

Afeni described the narcotics seizures as particularly alarming, given their implications for youth development, public health, and national security. Citing the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2025, he noted that cannabis remains the most abused illicit substance globally, with one in three users requiring treatment.

“These seizures are not just statistics; they represent lives saved and communities protected”, he said.
However in line with inter-agency protocols, the seized narcotics were formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Area Command.

Receiving the exhibits, from the Customs boss, NDLEA Commander Ekundayo Williams Omoniyi, on behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the Customs Controller for strengthening collaboration between both agencies.

“This is a spectacular seizure. If these drugs had entered society, especially during this festive period, the consequences would have been devastating”, he said, assuring that investigations would be intensified to trace and arrest those behind the consignment.

DC revealed further the Command also generated ₦27,291,861.00 in revenue as of 16 December 2025, reflecting improved compliance by legitimate traders.

During an interactive session, the Controller disclosed that postings within the Command would be merit-based and performance-driven, adding that Customs operations under his watch would prioritize trade facilitation without compromising enforcement.

“We rely heavily on intelligence. Legitimate trade will not be delayed, but contraband will not slip through,” he emphasized.
Deputy Comptroller Afeni, expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his visionary leadership and support. He also commended officers of the Command for their courage and dedication.

He also acknowledged the role of traditional institutions, community leaders, informants, youth groups, and the media in enhancing operational success.

Afeni issued a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators, declaring that Ogun I Command remains vigilant, proactive, and fully prepared to protect Nigeria’s economic and security interests.

He said, “Smugglers should steer clear of Ogun I Command. We will sustain this momentum with integrity, courage, and professionalism”.