Afeni unveils Ogun I Customs strategy as Command seizes ₦4.6bn contraband, boosts exports

Stanley Ihedigbo

Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations while simultaneously promoting legitimate trade, export activities and community engagement as part of a comprehensive strategy to secure Nigeria’s borders without disrupting lawful commercial activities.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this during an interview with members of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) in Idiroko on Monday, saying the Command has adopted a balanced approach that combines effective enforcement with trade facilitation.

According to Afeni, the strategy is founded on the understanding that border security and economic growth are complementary objectives that must be pursued together.

He explained that since assuming office, the Command has removed several operational bottlenecks that previously slowed the movement of legitimate goods across the border.

“When I assumed office, there were numerous checkpoints along this corridor. Today, we have reduced them to only two strategic locations at Ajilite and Ihumbo because excessive roadblocks do not support trade facilitation. Our objective is to ensure that legitimate traders can move their goods with minimal delay while maintaining effective enforcement,” he said.

The Acting Area Controller revealed that the Command’s intensified enforcement activities have yielded significant successes in the past six months, leading to the interception of prohibited items, dangerous drugs and other contraband valued at more than ₦4.6 billion during the second quarter of 2026.

Among the major seizures were about 30,000 parcels of cannabis, weighing more than 12 tonnes, which were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The Command also transferred consignments of methamphetamine, heroin and intercepted military uniforms to the appropriate security agencies.

Afeni, however, acknowledged that policing the Nigeria-Benin Republic border remains challenging due to difficult terrain, inadequate telecommunications coverage and the peculiar geographical layout of several border communities.

He explained that some communities are physically divided between Nigeria and the Benin Republic, with buildings straddling both countries, making intelligence gathering and operational deployments more complex.

To enhance operational efficiency, he disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service is deploying geospatial intelligence technology that will provide real-time monitoring of border activities and enable faster transmission of operational intelligence from the Service Headquarters.

The Acting Controller stressed that enforcement alone cannot eliminate smuggling, particularly in communities where illegal cross-border trade has been practised for decades as a source of livelihood.

“We also recognise that some border communities have historically viewed smuggling as a way of life and means of livelihood. That is why, beyond enforcement, we are engaging in sustained sensitisation and encouraging legitimate economic activities because people need viable alternatives,” he stated.

He noted that the Command has strengthened its collaboration with traditional rulers, opinion leaders and other stakeholders in border communities to improve intelligence gathering while discouraging residents from participating in illegal trade.

Afeni disclosed that intelligence reports indicate that the cannabis commonly known as ‘Ghana Loud’ originates from Ghana before passing through Togo and the Benin Republic into Nigeria, with border communities serving mainly as transit routes.

According to him, virtually all narcotics intercepted by the Command originate from the Imeko axis, prompting sustained engagement with community leaders in the area.

He expressed satisfaction that the collaboration with host communities is already producing positive results.

“The encouraging development is that our host communities are on the same page with us and increasingly supporting our operations. I just concluded a meeting with the indigenous people of Idiroko, and we are all working together to combat the illegal movement of narcotics, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other prohibited goods,” he added.

On revenue generation, Afeni disclosed that despite being primarily an enforcement command, Ogun I Area Command generated ₦663.26 million in revenue as of the end of June 2026, expressing confidence that collections would continue to increase.

He also highlighted a remarkable turnaround in export activities, describing it as a key component of the Command’s efforts to create legitimate economic opportunities for border communities.

According to him, during the second quarter of 2026, the Command facilitated exports of 20,972 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value exceeding ₦1 billion.

The exported products included white talc, crushed thermal coal and compressed natural gas products.
Afeni noted that the achievement marked a significant improvement from the corresponding period in 2025 when the Command recorded no export activities.

“Ogun I is primarily an enforcement command, but we understand that enforcement alone is not enough. People who have seen smuggling as a way of life must be encouraged to embrace legitimate trade and provided with alternatives. Export operations have fully resumed, and traders who comply with all documentation requirements can move their goods without hindrance. We are committed to facilitating lawful trade while remaining uncompromising against smuggling,” he said.

Beyond its statutory responsibilities, the Acting Controller said the Command is also investing in the socio-economic development of its host communities through the Nigeria Customs Service’s Customs Cares Initiative.

He disclosed that three major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects are currently being executed by the Command, including the construction of a hospital in Imeko, a secondary school in Ijofin and a jetty in the same community.
According to him, the jetty, which is already about 40 per cent completed, will significantly improve transportation for residents who depend on water routes to connect with Badagry and other neighbouring communities.

Afeni said the projects underscore the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to strengthening relationships with border communities while promoting sustainable development alongside its core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling enforcement.

He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations against smugglers while creating an enabling environment for legitimate businesses to flourish, insisting that border security and economic development must continue to go hand in hand.