The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, has announced the seizure of contraband goods worth over ₦1.4 billion, including three exotic cars and thousands of bags of rice.
Among the vehicles intercepted were a 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost with a duty paid value of ₦905 million, a 2014 Mercedes-Benz 4Matic valued at ₦21.4 million, and a 2018 Honda Accord worth ₦32.2 million.
Other items seized during the period under review included 4,424 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to seven truckloads), 1,936 parcels of cannabis sativa, and 105 used tyres. The total duty paid value of all the seizures stood at ₦1,401,531,923.95.
Speaking at a press briefing in Idiroko on Thursday, the Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, said the operation reflected the command’s unwavering determination to combat smuggling.
“In addition to these anti-smuggling feats, the Command in July 2025 generated a total revenue of ₦45,054,191.00, which represents a 27.47% increase compared to the ₦35,327,852.00 recorded in July 2024,” Otunla said. He attributed the growth to enhanced compliance, improved border monitoring, and stakeholder engagement.
In line with inter-agency collaboration, Otunla handed over the seized drugs to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command for further investigation. He stressed that the fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility, in line with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Sounding a strong warning to smugglers, Otunla declared: “We remain vigilant, resolute, and unyielding. No matter the sophistication of your tricks, our officers will continue to thwart your antics, and we shall bring the full weight of the law against you.”
He also commended the resilience of Customs operatives, the support of security agencies, and the cooperation of patriotic border community members who continue to provide credible intelligence.
