CAC: Smuggling undermines local industries, fuels unemployment
By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted contraband with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦3.57 billion and handed over 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica and other narcotics to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.
Afeni said the seizures were recorded between June 24 and August 13, 2026, as part of the Command’s intensified operations against smuggling and illicit drug trafficking.
He said the seized items included 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 cartons of basmati rice, 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica, 30 bags of foreign sugar, petroleum products, fertilizer, second-hand clothing, cosmetics and other prohibited goods.
According to him, the seizures formed part of the Command’s sustained efforts to protect the nation’s economy, secure the borders and frustrate smuggling networks operating through the area.
Afeni described smuggling as more than an illegal commercial activity, warning that it undermined local production, threatened jobs and weakened Nigeria’s drive towards economic self-sufficiency.
“When foreign rice is smuggled into our markets, it undermines our local farmers and agricultural investors,” he said.
The CAC noted that billions of naira had been invested in local agriculture and food production, stressing that unchecked smuggling could force local mills to close and leave farmers financially vulnerable.
He added that patronage of smuggled goods “effectively exports jobs to other countries while worsening unemployment and poverty at home.”
Afeni also warned that some smuggled food products were re-bagged under unhygienic conditions or stored beyond safe consumption periods, posing risks to consumers.
He said the Command had recently recorded an “unprecedented wave” of seizures involving foreign parboiled rice and illicit drugs, adding that smugglers were increasingly adopting sophisticated concealment methods.
The Customs boss said intelligence gathering and enforcement operations had enabled officers to dismantle several smuggling networks, assuring that the Command would continue to make Ogun I “hostile” to smugglers.
On the drug seizures, Afeni warned against the dangers associated with Ghana Loud and other illicit cannabis variants, saying proceeds from drug trafficking could fund violent crime, human trafficking and arms proliferation.
“The smuggling of cannabis and dangerous variants like Ghana Loud, Colorado and Cannabis sativa is not a victimless crime. It destroys lives, breeds violence in our neighbourhoods, and undermines our economy,” he said.
The seized narcotics were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command for further investigation.
The Deputy Commander of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, Wole Fagbohun, who received the consignment, said the seizure underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and smuggling.
Afeni disclosed that from January to August 2026, the Ogun I Command had handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of raw Cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command.
He further disclosed that the Command collected ₦90.06 million in July 2026 from baggage assessments, auction of perishable items, PMS and other charges.
On exports, Afeni said the Command recorded 10,110 metric tonnes with a Free On Board (FOB) value of ₦2.594 billion.
He listed white talc, crushed thermal coal and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) among the major export commodities recorded during the period.
“The Nigeria Customs Service is not just a revenue-generating agency; we are the frontline shield protecting our domestic economy,” Afeni said.
The CAC warned smugglers that the Command would continue to seize their goods, impound vehicles and prosecute offenders.
“If you do not trade legitimately, we will continue to seize your goods, impound your vehicles, and send you to prison,” he warned.
He appealed to traditional rulers, youth leaders and members of the public to report suspicious activities, while urging Nigerians to patronise locally produced goods to support domestic industries, employment and food security.
Afeni commended officers of the Command for their dedication and acknowledged the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and support.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration in the fight against smuggling and drug trafficking and to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
Discover more from SAFARI XPRESS NEWS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Leave a Reply