By Tunde Ojudun
The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, intercepting prohibited goods valued at over ₦1.35 billion. Among the seizures were two 19th‑century artefacts of significant cultural importance.
Acting Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, addressing the press, highlighted that the command generated ₦285,652,460 in revenue during the review period, surpassing the ₦259,265,495 recorded in 2025. He attributed this growth to improved baggage assessment, auction sales of seized petroleum products, and strict enforcement of fiscal policies.
According to the Ag. Controller, the seized items to include 545 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totalling 13,625 litres, 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 2,539 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil, 4,325 cartons of foreign spaghetti, and 2,547 parcels of cannabis sativa of different sizes.
Others included second-hand clothing and footwear, imported sugar, used tyres, pharmaceutical products, perfume oil, two used vehicles, and four live pangolins.
Afeni emphasized that the recovery of the artefacts underscores the command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage while safeguarding the economy and borders. He noted that the seizures align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to protect local industries, public health, and cultural assets.
The acting controller revealed that the command facilitated exports of 95 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board value of ₦305,749,264.05, marking significant progress compared to zero exports in the same period of 2025. Afeni commended traditional rulers, host communities, sister security agencies, and the media for their cooperation, pledging sustained enforcement and collaboration.
The seized cannabis consignments were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command. The artefacts were also handed over to officials of the National Museum, Abeokuta, for preservation, while the rescued pangolins were entrusted to Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation for proper care.