Ogun Customs intensifies anti-smuggling operation, seizes N120.2m smuggled vegetable oil

The Ogun I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified it’s anti- smuggling operation with the interception of 1,202 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil valued at N120.2million.

The seizures were made during two seperate intelligence-led operations, on 19th and 24th March, 2026 under the leadership of Acting Controller, Deputy Comptroller O. O Afeni.

This came following an earlier seizure of 2,539 kegs of vegetable oil of 25kg each on 11 March 2026 and 2090 kegs of vegetable oil of 25kg each on 16 December 2025.

The command said the seizures form part of its continuous efforts at ridding the country of unhealthy competition with local vegetable oil producers.

“These seizures are significant win for the Nigerian economy; by removing these illicit goods from the market, the Command is curbing unfair competition, protecting local manufacturers, and supporting domestic job creation,” a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Chado Zakari said.

In a related development, the Command, has handed over seized 285 sacks of Mica stones weighing 50kg and valued at N104.775 million to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

The handover ceremony, held at the Command Headquarters, Abeokuta, followed the interception of the minerals by vigilant officers during a routine anti-smuggling operation.

Speaking during the exercise, the Ag. Customs Area Controller Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller OO Afeni who was represented by Assistant Comptroller EK Onyeasor said the seizure underscores the command’s expanded mandate to prevent the illegal exportation of the nation’s solid minerals, which often bypasses statutory regulatory frameworks and deprives the Federal Government of essential revenue.

He emphasized that the illegal trade in solid minerals poses a dual threat to national security and economic stability.

“The Ogun I Command under my leadership remains an impenetrable wall against the illicit outflow of our national wealth. This handover is a testament to our ‘”one-government” approach, ensuring that specialized agencies receive the necessary support to enforce environmental and mining laws” Afeni stated.

The representative from Federal Ministry of Solid Ministry Development, Engr. Ojediran Abimbola Olubumi while receiving the items, commended the command for its alertness and professional conduct.

The Ministry noted that the intercepted Mica would undergo further geological analysis and be integrated into the national mineral database as part of ongoing efforts to sanitize the mining sector.

In the area of export, the Command said
export volume for March 2026 showed a marked increase of 266 percent over the corresponding period of March 2025, driven by enhanced processing capabilities.

Data released by the command showed that 277 metric tonnes of goods were exported in March 2026 with a Free on Board ( FOB) value of $383,100.00 compared to 20 metric tonnes valued at $104,600.00 in March 2025.

“This achievement highlights the Command’s continuous success in monitoring the Idiroko border axis and surrounding creeks, ensuring that all exit points are fortified against the smuggling of both contraband goods and protected natural resource, “the statement said.