Ogun Customs seize N229m in contraband within one week — Controller

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, has seized contraband worth N229,112,424 in just one week. The seizures included 2,169 bags of rice, 1,128 parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana) weighing 1,109.3kg, 21 bales and two sacks of used clothes, 166 pneumatic tyres, 360 cartons of imported shoes, and 250 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), among other items.

Mohammed Shuaibu, the Acting Customs Area Controller for the command, disclosed the seizures on Thursday at a briefing in Idiroko, Ogun State.

He explained that the contraband was intercepted at various strategic locations, including Idiroko, Ilaro, Alamala-Rounda, Obada Oko-Abeokuta, Abule Kazeem-Abeokuta, and Imeko-Afon, all known smuggling hotspots.

Shuaibu highlighted the damaging impact of smuggling on Nigeria’s economy, particularly the illegal importation of rice, which undermines local rice production and the government’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency.

He described the smuggling of cannabis as a major security threat, contributing to criminal activities and jeopardising community safety.

The controller also reiterated the dangers posed by the importation of used clothes, which he said not only violates health and safety standards but also hinders the growth of Nigeria’s local textile industry.

Shuaibu vowed that the command would continue to disrupt smuggling networks, using intelligence and legal force where necessary.

He assured law-abiding traders that operations would focus solely on those violating the law and pledged continued support for legitimate trade that promotes economic development in Ogun State’s border communities