The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed reports alleging that smugglers barricaded the Idiroko–Sango Ota Road in Ogun State, describing the claims as false and a misrepresentation of an unfortunate traffic incident.
According to the Command, the severe gridlock was actually caused by an accident involving a commercial trailer that broke down after falling into a badly deteriorated section of the Atan Road, leading to a temporary obstruction of vehicular movement.
The Command clarified that the vehicles trapped in the resulting congestion were legitimate commercial trucks conveying red palm oil to local markets and had no connection whatsoever to smuggling activities.
Speaking through the Command Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Zakari Chado, the management explained that the sheer number of heavy-duty vehicles caught in the traffic mistakenly led some members of the public to conclude that smugglers had taken over the road.
“The reports that smugglers blocked the road are inaccurate. The disruption resulted from a road accident and poor road conditions. The vehicles involved were lawful commercial vehicles transporting red palm oil for legitimate trade,” Chado stated.
The Command appealed to journalists, social media users, and members of the public to exercise restraint and verify information before circulating reports capable of creating unnecessary panic or undermining public confidence in security agencies.
Since assuming office, Comptroller Afeni has sustained intelligence-driven surveillance, strengthened collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders, and maintained pressure on economic saboteurs operating along the Ogun border corridors.
The Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining its anti-smuggling campaign while facilitating legitimate trade in line with the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.