The Ogun Area I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced the seizure of contraband goods with a duty-paid value of N2,006,008,898 within two weeks of intensive surveillance operations across the state.
The Area Controller, Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this during his maiden briefing at the command’s headquarters in Idiroko.
Afeni said the command also generated N27,291,861 in revenue within the period.
He listed the seized items to include 5,417 cartons of substandard spaghetti illegally imported from Turkey, as well as 2,200 kegs of vegetable oil, 25 litres each, of Indonesian origin, with a duty-paid value of N291,260,000.
He added that the trucks used as means of conveyance were valued at N222,000,000.
Other items seized include 4,738 bags of foreign rice, 6,750 litres of petrol, 309 bundles of used tyres, narcotics weighing 1,502kg, two foreign-used vehicles and eight other vehicles used for smuggling, among others.
Afeni said the total duty-paid value of all the seizures amounted to N2,006,008,898.
During the briefing, Afeni said, “These food items are designated as contraband goods and are absolutely prohibited for importation in Nigeria.”
He disclosed that, “On December 12, 2025, our gallant officers and men successfully intercepted an Iveco truck with registration number RMY-354-XA laden with 4,998 cartons of Doga brand spaghetti (10kg each) and 419 cartons of Oba brand spaghetti (10 kg each), illegally imported from Turkey.
“Again, on December 13, 2025, our operatives intercepted a DAF truck with registration number JHN-590-XA carrying 2,200 kegs of vegetable oil, 25 litres each, of Indonesian origin.”
He explained that “the combined duty-paid value of the food items stands at N291,260,000, while the trucks used as means of conveyance are worth N222 million.”
Afeni added that “the danger in these food items finding their way into the open market lies in the consumption of substandard products that have not been subjected to health checks or declared fit for consumption by relevant agencies in Nigeria.”
He said many unscrupulous traders deliberately smuggle in substandard food items and profit from the health risks faced by unsuspecting Nigerians.
Listing other seizures, Afeni said they included 4,738 bags of foreign rice, 6,750 litres of petrol, 309 bundles of used tyres, as well as narcotics, including cannabis and heroin, weighing 1,502 kg.
He added that two foreign-used vehicles and eight other vehicles used for smuggling were also seized, bringing the total duty-paid value of all the seizures to N2,006,008,898.
According to Afeni, the massive seizures are a clear testament to the command’s strengthened response and zero-tolerance stance against smuggling and economic sabotage.
He said the command remained determined to flush out those sabotaging the country’s economic prosperity, reaffirming its resolve to sustain the crackdown on smugglers and their collaborators.
About the Author
