By Innocent Orok
The Ogun 1 Area Command of the NCS on Thursday showcase its achievements in revenue collection, anti- smuggling activities and other functions carried out by the Command so far. Briefing journalists at the Idiroko border post, Comptroller Godwin Otunla said, the Command has intercepted and seized smuggling items with a Duty Paid Value of N1.401billion and also collected N45.054m in the month of July 2025.
According Comptroller Otunla
” Barely six weeks ago, precisely on 3 July 2025, I addressed you here on the significant seizures recorded by the Command, particularly in the areas of illicit drugs and their means of conveyance. At that time, I made a firm commitment that the Command under my leadership would not relent in combating the menace of smuggling, nor bow to the antics of recalcitrant economic saboteurs who undermine our nation’s economy and security.
“I am delighted to inform you today that, true to our word, the Command has sustained the momentum and recorded remarkable achievements within this short period. Through intelligence-driven operations, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of our gallant officers, we successfully made the following seizures:
Foreign Parboiled Rice of 50kg each – 4,424 bags, which is over 7 truckloads,
Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana – 50 sacks and 1,936 parcels of coconut size, used Pneumatic Tyres – 105 pieces, used Clothing – 21 bales and three sacks, foreign-used vehicles, commonly known as Tokunbo – three units including a Rolls-Royce worth billions of Naira and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – 6,400 litres.
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures amounts to ₦1,401,531,923.95, representing a significant economic loss to smugglers, but a huge gain to national economy and security.
In the area of revenue collection Comptroller Otunla said the Command has sustained efforts in revenue generation. “I am pleased to announce that in July 2025, Ogun I Area Command generated a total revenue of ₦45,054,191.00, which is higher than the ₦35,327,852.00 recorded in the corresponding month of 2024. This represents a commendable increase of 27.47%.
“This remarkable growth is a reflection of our enhanced compliance drive, improved monitoring of border activities, and robust stakeholder engagement”, he informed .
On handing over the seized drugs to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Ogun 1 Command CAC said “consistent with our inter-agency collaboration framework, the illicit drugs seized will today be handed over to the Commander of the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action.
“This synergy is not only in compliance with government directives but also reinforces our collective determination to safeguard public health, ensure national security, and protect the future of our youths from the devastating effects of hard drugs”, he assured .
Comptroller Otunla commended the efforts of his gallant officers and support of sister agencies and patriotic members of the border communities for providing the intelligence.
“I wish to use this opportunity to commend the gallant officers and men of Ogun I Area Command for their resilience and dedication. I also appreciate the support of our sister security agencies and the cooperation of patriotic members of the border communities who continue to provide credible intelligence to aid our operations.
“Let me reiterate that the fight against smuggling remains a collective responsibility. We shall continue to build on collaboration, intelligence sharing, and innovation, in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, dsm, fnipr, fniia psc(+), who has been consistent in his drive for consolidation, collaboration, and innovation.
“May I once again sound a clear warning to the smugglers and their collaborators: Ogun I Command will not relent. 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.
“Gentlemen of the press, I thank you once again for your presence, cooperation, and consistent partnership in sensitizing the public on the dangers of smuggling. Together, we shall continue to protect our nation’s economy, secure our borders, and safeguard the lives of our citizens”, he said.
