The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a significant improvement in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations, remitting over N454.6 million to the Federal Government in 2025, representing a 47 per cent increase over its 2024 performance.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this yesterday at a press conference in Idiroko, Ogun State, where the command also handed over seized narcotics, arms and ammunition to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).
Addressing journalists and stakeholders, Afeni said the command’s performance in 2025 reflected its unwavering commitment to the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade.
According to him, the command generated and remitted N454,672,406.30 to federation and non-federation accounts in 2025, compared to N275,835,602 recorded in 2024. He expressed optimism that the command would surpass the 2025 figures in the current fiscal year.
Afeni disclosed that the positive trajectory had continued into 2026, with the command generating N106,277,312 between January 1 and January 28, 2026, an increase of 84.3 per cent over the N89,584,419 collected during the same period last year.
He attributed the improved revenue performance to the diligence of officers, enhanced compliance by traders, baggage assessment and proceeds from auction sales of seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
On enforcement, Afeni said the command intensified intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations in line with extant laws and government fiscal policies, working closely with sister security agencies to police the expansive land borders within its jurisdiction.
He revealed that a total of 487 seizures were recorded in 2025, including 22,725 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 2,669 kegs of PMS, 13,332 parcels of cannabis sativa, 2,128 cartridges, 1,315 pieces of explosives, firearms, hard drugs and other prohibited items. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seizures for the year stood at N4.13 billion, up from N1.79 billion in 2024.
“These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our officers in protecting the economy, safeguarding lives and preserving national security,” he said.
Afeni further disclosed that between January 1 and January 29, 2026, the command intercepted additional consignments, including 1,042 bags of smuggled rice, 3,738 parcels of cannabis sativa, 780 used tyres, 473 kegs of PMS, locally fabricated rifles, cartridges, used vehicles, controlled substances and suspected antiquities, with a combined DPV of N721.45 million.
He noted that the seizure of suspected traditional carvings highlighted the threat of antiquity theft, stressing that the items would be subjected to expert appraisal to determine the appropriate course of action.
The customs chief emphasised that arms and ammunition are listed under Schedule 4 of the Absolute Prohibition List, warning that the consequences would have been devastating if the seized explosives and ammunition had fallen into the wrong hands, especially amid prevailing security challenges.
On inter-agency collaboration, Afeni commended the synergy between Customs and other security agencies at the Idiroko–Igolo axis, including the DSS, NDLEA, NIS, NSCDC, the military, police, NAFDAC, SON and traditional institutions, noting that such cooperation was critical to operational success.
As part of this collaboration, the command handed over seized cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, and arms and ammunition to the NCCSALW South West Zone, while controlled pharmaceutical products were transferred to NAFDAC.
Afeni also expressed concern over increasing attacks on customs officers by smugglers, citing a recent incident in the Akokoro area of the Imeko axis, where officers and operational vehicles were attacked.
“Attacks on our officers will not deter us from performing our lawful duties,” he warned, adding that the command would no longer tolerate intimidation or obstruction of officers.
He called on traditional rulers and community leaders to educate youths on the dangers of smuggling, particularly narcotics, arms and ammunition.
Afeni commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his leadership and support, and praised officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their professionalism and resilience.
He urged members of the public to support the Nigeria Customs Service with credible information, stressing that collective effort was required to curb smuggling and economic crimes.
“As we progress in 2026, Ogun I Area Command remains resolute in protecting the economy, ensuring security and contributing to national development,” he said.