In a shift from past practices, the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Command at Idiroko, has embraced mediation and community engagement to combat smuggling, moving away from violent confrontations.
Comptroller Godwin Otunla, the Area Controller, revealed in an interview with a group of journalists that his command now works closely with traditional rulers and community leaders to discourage youths from engaging in smuggling.
“We’ve chosen to engage community leaders to speak to their youths. We want them to pursue legitimate businesses instead of breaking the law,” Otunla said.
He emphasized that the command is determined to avoid violent enforcement, stating: “We don’t want a return to the era of killings. Mediation is now our tool to suppress smuggling.”
Otunla highlighted the lack of infrastructure and economic opportunities in the region — from Owode to Idiroko — as a major driver of smuggling. He identified lack of factories or industries, poor electricity supply, and high youth unemployment as problems in the area.
These conditions, he noted, make smuggling an attractive option for many young people.
Despite receiving support from Customs headquarters, Otunla said the command still needs more patrol vehicles to effectively monitor the border.
“We’re like Oliver Twist — asking for more. Every patrol team needs at least one operational vehicle.”
He confirmed that the command is well-equipped with weapons and does not face challenges in that area.
Otunla acknowledged that smuggling cannot be completely eliminated, given the porous nature of borders worldwide.
“Even if we spread our arms around the border, they’ll still try to pass underneath. We can’t stop it entirely — only reduce it.”
He praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for providing intelligence on community sentiment, especially when unrest is brewing.
The command operates on generators and solar power due to unreliable electricity. Otunla also addressed the negative perception of Customs officers in border communities:
“Tax collectors are never loved. We’re seen as enemies. Everyone wants to join Customs, yet everyone claims to hate Customs. We’re soft targets, so we protect ourselves carefully.”