By Chigozie Daniel
In a decisive move to safeguard Nigeria’s electoral integrity, the Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified border security operations, taking its campaign directly to traditional institutions at the frontline of cross-border activities.
Leading the charge, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Oladapo Afeni, paid a high-level courtesy visit to the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, at his palace in Ilaro, underscoring the urgency of pre-election security coordination.
The engagement, according to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, focused on blocking the influx of dangerous items such as small arms, light weapons and illicit narcotics through Ogun’s porous land borders.
Afeni, in his remarks, warned that communities bordering international frontiers must not serve as conduits for destabilising elements, stressing that the stakes are higher as the nation inches closer to another electoral cycle.
He declared that the Service has activated a strict zero tolerance posture against smuggling, particularly of items capable of undermining peace, noting that the support of traditional rulers remains critical to success.
The Controller outlined a raft of proactive measures already in motion, including the establishment of direct communication channels with border leaders, round-the-clock surveillance of identified smuggling routes and intensified inspection of transit goods.
He maintained that the strategy is not only enforcement-driven but also collaborative, aimed at building trust with host communities while ensuring that legitimate trade is not disrupted.
Responding, Oba Olugbenle commended the Customs Service for its foresight and proactive engagement, reaffirming the readiness of the Yewa people to partner with security agencies in preserving peace.
The monarch pledged to mobilise community structures, particularly the youth, against aiding illegal trade, stressing that a violence-free election begins with cutting off the supply of weapons at the borders.
Expanding the outreach, Afeni also embarked on a strategic tour of other key border communities, visiting the Onihumbe of Ohunbe, Oba Adekola Oje Oladokun, and the Olu of Owode, Oba Mathew Akindele, where he reinforced the message of shared responsibility in securing the nation’s gateways while sustaining lawful commerce.