Ogun Customs Intercept Ammunition, Contraband Worth N344.8m in Two-Month Operation
Ogun Customs Intercept Ammunition, Contraband Worth N344.8m in Two-Month Operation
The Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, Goodwin Otunla, has handed over 1,433 rounds of cartridges, suspected explosive fireworks, and five dane guns to the Ogun State Police Command.
In addition, the command transferred 1,037 parcels of cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Idiroko on Wednesday, Otunla explained that the seized ammunition and narcotics were part of the command’s operations and interceptions carried out between April and May.
He explained that other contraband seized during this period were 2,627 bags of parboiled rice, 18 pieces of 16×4.8cm Best Fireworks Indoor and 30 pieces of 12×3.8cm of the same product believed to be explosives, and 29 bundles of pneumatic tyres among others.
Otunla said the Duty Paid Value of the contraband impounded during this period is put at N344,853,244m, while the command also generated N42.271m within the period under review.
The controller noted that the harmful substances and weapons posed a far-reaching danger to the youth, public health and national security, saying his command would intensify efforts to suppress smuggling.
He stressed, “Since assuming office in April, the command has successfully intercepted large quantities of prohibited items including coconut-size Cannabis Sativa 1,037 parcels, five units of dane guns,1,433 rounds of cartridges, 18 pieces of 16×4.8cm best fireworks indoor and 13,125 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
“Others are 2, 627 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each which is more than four trailer loads, four foreign-used vehicles, seven vehicles used as means of conveyance and 29 bundles of used pneumatic tyres.
“The total Duty Paid Value of these seizures stands at N344,853,244-a clear testament to our zero-tolerance stance against smuggling and economic sabotage.”
He disclosed that the items were intercepted in different locations within Ogun State, including Lusada/Ado-Odo area; Abule Kazeem/Igbo-Ora Road; Abeokuta area; Imeko area; Idiroko/Owode area; Ipokia area among others.
He pointed out that the command under his leadership had intensified surveillance, deployed strategic intelligence and strengthened collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders to enhance border operations.
Otunla said the seizures were also reaffirming the NCS’s strong commitment to safeguarding national security, promoting economic stability, and protecting the health of citizens.
On revenue generation, he added that the command generated N42,279,240m between April and May.
The improvement in the revenue Otunla said reflected the deliberate efforts to block revenue leakages, ensure compliance, and foster legitimate trade across our borders.
Otunla attributed the command’s recent successes to the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He praised the Comptroller-General for his steadfast backing and also lauded the officers of the command for their patriotism, commitment, and renewed zeal in fulfilling the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service—namely, revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and trade facilitation.
Issuing a stern warning to unrepentant criminals and economic saboteurs, Otunla urged them to desist from illegal activities, declaring that the command will continue to intensify its crackdown on smugglers and their accomplices.
