Contraband worth N344 million including dane guns, cartridges, cannabis sativa, foreign parboiled rice, used vehciles and Premium Motor Spirit(PMS) have been intercepted by the operatives of the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The seizures, according to the Customs Area Controller, Godwin Otunla, were achieved through the diligence, courage and vigilance of his men since he took office on April 24, 2025.

Speaking during a press briefing held at the Idiroko Area Command, Otunla said: “These achievements are made possible under the visionary leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the consistent support of his management team.

“In the area of anti-smuggling, we intensified surveillance, deployed strategic intelligence, and strengthened collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders to enhance border operations.

“Between 24 April 2025 and today(Wednesday), our operatives successfully intercepted and seized large quantities of prohibited items, including: 1,037 parcels of coconut-sized cannabis sativa; five units of Dane guns; 88 rounds of live cartridges; 13,125 litres of PMS; 2,627 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, which is more than four trailer loads; four units of foreign-used vehicles; seven units of means of conveyance vehicles; and 29 bundles of used pneumatic tyres.

“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures stands at ₦344,853,244 — a clear testament to our zero-tolerance stance against smuggling and economic sabotage.

“The seized items were intercepted at different locations across Ogun State, including Lusada/Ado-Odo axis, Abule Kazeem/Igbo-Ora Road, Abeokuta axis, Imeko axis, Idiroko/Owode axis, and Ipokia axis, among others.

“For emphasis, the seizures of cannabis sativa and arms and ammunition are particularly worrisome, given their far-reaching impact on our youth, public health, and national security.”

Otunla added: “Prior to my assumption of duty in April 2025, the sum of ₦10,621,250 was generated as revenue for the Command. However, through renewed commitment and strategic realignment, the figure was significantly increased to ₦42,279,240.00 by the end of May 2025.”

“This improvement reflects the deliberate efforts to block revenue leakages, ensure compliance, and foster legitimate trade across our borders.”

“In line with inter-agency synergy and national protocol, we shall, in the course of this briefing, formally hand over the seized cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command. We shall also hand over the seized arms, ammunition, and explosive materials to the Nigeria Police Force, Ogun State Command, for further necessary actions.