The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun Area 1 Command, has restated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders and curbing smuggling activities.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, led by its Chairman, Wale Olanrewaju, the Customs Area Controller, Godwin Otunla, disclosed that the command recorded 144 seizures of contraband, including cannabis and other hard drugs, with 7,151 wraps of cannabis intercepted through inter-agency collaboration.
He added that the command also generated ₦121,886,398 in revenue from April 24 to August.
He also stressed the significant operational achievements in recent months.
Otunla explained that the command goes beyond chasing smugglers of rice and poultry products, noting that its duties include safeguarding the nation’s health and security.
He said, “Frozen poultry products are destroyed immediately after seizure due to health risks, while rice and other essentials are distributed to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as palliatives, based on government directives.”
While parading the seized items, the customs boss maintained that smugglers often evade arrest due to their extensive surveillance networks, noting that Customs officers also rely on intelligence to track and intercept illicit goods.
“It is not that we don’t make arrests at all. In some cases, suspects have been apprehended when the opportunity arises,” he said.
The comptroller further warned Nigerians against falling victim to online fraudsters who use the images of senior Customs officers to promote fake auction schemes.
Furthermore, he stated that, beyond enforcement, the command also invests in community development through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“These include supporting youth empowerment programmes, partnering with Ipokia youths in their annual ‘Waka Jeje’ cultural event, sponsoring artisan and art development projects, and providing education through Customs-owned schools at affordable rates. A Customs-owned clinic in the border community also serves residents,” he said.
Commending the diligence of his officers, the comptroller stressed that intelligence-led operations have significantly reduced smuggling activities. “Customs work is not just about running into the waters after smugglers. Intelligence helps us reduce risks while achieving results,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Wale Olarenwaju, commended the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service for their relentless efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders from the activities of smugglers and also boosting the nation’s economy.
Comrade Olarenwaju described Customs’ work as vital to national security and development, assuring that journalists in the state are committed to partnering with customs through balanced reporting, regular media engagement, and activities.
The NUJ chairman reiterated the importance of maintaining a cordial relationship between customs and host communities, urging ongoing efforts to build trust, reduce tensions, and promote peace around the border areas.
