In a renewed effort to combat smuggling and enhance national security, the Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 6,180 pieces of cutlasses and seized contraband items worth N1.27 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV). The command also generated N275.8 million in revenue through legitimate trade in 2024.
Speaking at a press conference on the command’s 2024 scorecard, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, revealed that between January 1st and 27th, 2025, the command recorded significant seizures amounting to N77.48 million. Among the intercepted items were 6,180 pieces of cutlasses, 2,002 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, and 6,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that these seizures reflect the command’s relentless efforts to curb smuggling, protect the economy, and ensure national security.
Through intelligence-driven operations, the command also intercepted a large cache of contraband throughout 2024. The seizures included 16,712 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 139,881 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 940 rounds of live ammunition, 71 sacks and 3,253 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 586 bales of used clothing, 86 smuggled vehicles, 18 units of foreign used vehicles, 2,150 pieces of used pneumatic tyres, 760 pieces of donkey skin, 3,766 cartons of frozen poultry products, and 85 bags of imported flour. These items, with a total DPV of N1.27 billion, underscore the command’s dedication to preventing illegal imports that pose economic and security threats.
As part of inter-agency collaboration, Comptroller Shuaibu announced the handover of 1,165 parcels of seized Cannabis Sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command. The intercepted items included 780 parcels of coconut-sized cannabis, 225 parcels of book-sized cannabis, and 160 parcels of bread-sized cannabis. He noted that this handover is a demonstration of the Customs Service’s commitment to working with other security agencies to combat drug trafficking and ensure a safer society.
In addition to anti-smuggling operations, the command also played a vital role in revenue generation. In 2024, it generated N275,835,406 through baggage assessment collections and auction sales of seized PMS and vehicles. The Customs boss commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his unwavering support, while also applauding the officers of the Ogun I Area Command for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
He extended his appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders, and the media for their continued collaboration in the fight against smuggling. He also urged the general public to provide credible intelligence that could assist in combating smuggling and other economic crimes. As 2025 unfolds, he assured that the command remains resolute in its mandate to protect the economy, facilitate legitimate trade, and strengthen national security.
According to him, the Ogun I Command will not relent in its efforts to enforce compliance with customs regulations, secure the nation’s borders, and contribute to economic growth through sustained anti-smuggling operations.
COMPTROLLER MOHAMMED SHUAIBU: Ogun Customs Seizes 6,180 Cutlasses, N1.27bn Contraband In Anti-Smuggling Crackdown
