Cracking Down on Contraband: Nigeria Customs Service Seizes Arms, Drugs at Idiroko Border

By Lod Onyeji

In a significant boost to regional security, the Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over seized cannabis sativa, arms, and ammunition to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCOSALW). The handover ceremony, held at the Idiroko border on January 29, 2026, underscores the command's commitment to curbing illicit trade.

According to Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, Acting Customs Area Controller, the command's efforts are yielding results. In 2025, the command generated ₦454.67 million in revenue, a 47% increase from 2024, and has already surpassed that pace in 2026 with ₦106.27 million collected through January 28.

The command's anti-smuggling operations have been robust, with 487 seizures in 2025 valued at ₦4.13 billion, including arms, ammunition, explosives, and narcotics. "The interception of explosives and live ammunition is particularly significant," Afeni noted, highlighting the potential consequences if such items had fallen into the wrong hands.

The seized items, including 13,332 parcels of cannabis sativa and 2,128 rounds of cartridges, were transferred to the relevant agencies. Afeni commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership, and praised officers for their professionalism. He also called on the public to support Customs in combating smuggling and securing the borders. 📊