The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, has intercepted three luxury vehicles, including a 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost valued at N905 million, during an anti-smuggling operation.
The Controller of the command, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Idiroko border. He said the seizure was part of ongoing efforts to tackle smuggling activities undermining the nation’s economy and security.
According to Otunla, other seized vehicles include a 2014 Mercedes-Benz 4Matic valued at N21,423,400 and a 2018 Honda Accord with a duty-paid value of N3,220,000.
He said the operation also led to the confiscation of 4,424 bags of foreign parboiled rice, which is equivalent to over seven truckloads, 1,936 parcels of cannabis sativa, and 105 used tyres. The total duty-paid value of all seizures during the period under review stood at N1,401,531,923.95.
“The seizures were fallout of the command’s firm commitment not to relent in combating the menace of smuggling, nor bow to the antics of recalcitrant economic saboteurs who undermine our nation’s economy and security,” Otunla stated.
The Customs chief also announced that the command generated N45,054,191 in July 2025, a 27.47 percent increase compared to the N35,327,852 recorded in July 2024. He attributed the rise to enhanced compliance measures, stronger border monitoring, and improved collaboration with stakeholders.
“This remarkable growth is a reflection of our enhanced compliance drive, improved monitoring of border activities and robust stakeholder engagement,” he added.
In line with inter-agency cooperation, the illicit drugs seized were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation. The Commander of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, Ekundayo Williams, received the items during the briefing.
Otunla reiterated the command’s commitment to intensify operations through collaboration, intelligence sharing, and innovative strategies in line with the directives of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“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 warned.
He commended the dedication of customs officers, the support of other security agencies, and the cooperation of border communities that continue to provide credible intelligence to aid operations.
