Ogun 1 Customs Command Seizes Rolls-Royce, N1.4bn Contraband, Hands Over Drugs to NDLEA
By Ranmilowo Ojalumo– The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded major anti-smuggling breakthroughs with the interception of contraband goods valued at over ₦1.4 billion, including a luxury Rolls-Royce, thousands of bags of rice, cannabis, and other prohibited items.
Comptroller Godwin Otunla, Customs Area Controller, disclosed this at a press conference held at Idiroko on Thursday, August 21, 2025, barely six weeks after his last briefing where similar seizures were showcased.
Otunla noted that the command, under his leadership, has sustained momentum in tackling smuggling through intelligence-driven operations, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of officers.
During the period under review, the command intercepted 4,424 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (over seven truckloads), 50 sacks and 1,936 parcels of cannabis sativa otherwise known as marijuana, 105 pieces of used pneumatic tyres, 21 bales and 3 sacks of used clothing, three foreign-used vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce “worth billions of naira”, as well as 6,400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
According to the controller, the seizures have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1,401,531,923.95, representing a huge blow to smugglers and a gain for Nigeria’s economy and security.
Beyond the seizures, he noted that the customs command also recorded progress in revenue generation. In July 2025 alone, the Ogun I Area Command generated ₦45,054,191.00, a 27.47% increase compared to ₦35,327,852.00 in July 2024.
“This remarkable growth is a reflection of our enhanced compliance drive, improved monitoring of border activities, and robust stakeholder engagement,” Otunla stated.
In line with inter-agency collaboration, Otunla formally handed over the seized illicit drugs to the Commander of the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and 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 added.
The Customs boss commended officers of the command for their resilience, as well as the cooperation of sister security agencies and patriotic members of border communities who have been providing credible intelligence.
Reaffirming his commitment to the fight against smuggling, he issued a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators, saying “Ogun I Custom 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.”
He also aligned the command’s strategy with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who has emphasized consolidation, collaboration, and innovation in border management.
Otunla appreciated the press for consistently sensitizing the public on the dangers of smuggling and reiterated that the fight is a collective responsibility. “Together, we shall continue to protect our nation’s economy, secure our borders, and safeguard the lives of our citizens,” he said.
