Afeni made this known during a press conference held at the command headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State, where he briefed journalists on the command’s anti-smuggling operations and revenue performance.
He explained that the command had intensified its operations against economic sabotage since January 29, 2026, in line with the directives of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
According to him, the command recently intercepted a truck loaded with 2,539 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil, each containing 25 litres, along the Agbara axis on March 11, 2026.
Afeni said the seizure followed an earlier operation on March 4, 2026, when officers of the command intercepted a Sino truck conveying 4,325 cartons of foreign spaghetti, each weighing 10 kilograms.
He said, “Through intelligence-driven operations and the unwavering commitment of our officers, we have sustained the momentum in the fight against smuggling and economic sabotage within our area of responsibility.”
The controller also disclosed that other seizures recorded during the period included 1,204 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 2,547 parcels of cannabis sativa, 545 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 50 bags of imported sugar, used tyres, second-hand clothing, used vehicles and two antiquities.
He added that four live pangolins were also intercepted and have been handed over to a wildlife conservation organisation for proper care.
Afeni stated that the command would formally hand over the 2,547 parcels of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Idiroko Special Command, as part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration to combat drug trafficking.
He said, “In accordance with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, we are transferring custody of the seized cannabis sativa to the NDLEA, while the two antiquities recovered will be handed over to the National Museum in Abeokuta to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage.”
The customs boss warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the command remained strategically positioned to frustrate their operations.
“To the economic saboteurs and their sponsors, there is no trick we cannot uncover. Our intelligence network and monitoring mechanisms ensure that we remain ahead of smugglers,” he said.
Afeni further revealed that the command generated N285.6 million within the period under review from baggage assessments and auction sales of intercepted petroleum products.
He noted that the figure represents an increase compared to the N259.2 million generated within the same period in 2025.
On export activities, Afeni disclosed that the command recorded 95 metric tons of goods exported with a Free on Board value of N305.7 million, marking a significant improvement compared to the same period in 2025 when no export was recorded.
He commended the support of host communities, traditional leaders, and the media, assuring that the command would continue to enforce government policies while facilitating legitimate trade across the border.
“We will continue to encourage compliant traders while sustaining the fight against smugglers in the overall interest of Nigeria’s economic growth and national security,” Afeni added.
