The Ogun I Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Godwin Otunla, has officially handed over intercepted cannabis sativa, firearms, and other contraband items to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Police Force.
The transfer ceremony took place on Wednesday at the command's headquarters in Idiroko, where Comptroller Otunla revealed that the seized items have a duty paid value of N344 million.
Details of Seized Items
The contraband includes 5 units of single barrel dane guns, 1,433 rounds of live cartridges, 48 pieces of fireworks, 1,037 parcels of coconut-sized cannabis sativa, and 13,125 liters of petrol.
According to Otunla, these items were intercepted between April 24 and June 18, 2025, across various locations in Ogun State, including the Lusada/Ado-Odo axis, Abule Kazeem/Igbo-Ora road, Abeokuta, Imeko, and the Idiroko/Owode-Ipokia axis.
"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," Otunla stated during the press briefing.
Strategic Enforcement and Collaboration
The Comptroller attributed the successful operations to intensified surveillance, strategic intelligence, and collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders in the state.
"Today's briefing highlights our progress and key achievements in border security and anti-smuggling efforts through strategic enforcement and collaboration with relevant security agencies," he explained.
Otunla expressed particular concern about the seizures of cannabis sativa and firearms, noting their "far-reaching impact on our youth, public health, and national security."
Revenue Generation Improvements
Beyond seizures, the command reported significant improvements in revenue generation. Comptroller Otunla revealed that the command generated N42.3 million in May 2025, a substantial increase from the N10.6 million collected before his assumption of duty in April 2025.
"This improvement reflects the deliberate efforts to block revenue leakages, ensure compliance, and foster legitimate trade across our borders," he said.
The Comptroller commended the officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their relentless efforts despite facing daunting challenges. He also issued a stern warning to smugglers and their accomplices to avoid the state, emphasizing the command's resolve to remain vigilant in protecting Nigeria's economic and security interests.
Follow BenriNews on social media for more updates:
