Customs Launches Major Crackdown in Ogun, Joins Forces with Traditional Rulers to Stop Smuggling

(Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Photo by Dubawa)

As part of a larger plan to stop smuggling and prevent the entrance of hazardous materials, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has increased its efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s borders in Ogun State, reaching out to traditional leaders in border towns.

A statement on the development was posted on the Service’s web page on April 22, 2026.

The statement claims that Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, the Acting Customs Area Controller for Ogun I Command, led a group on a number of interactions with traditional institutions, starting with a visit to Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, at his palace in Ilaro.

Afeni emphasized that cooperation with local authorities has become essential in combating cross-border crimes, characterizing border villages in the axis as strategically important because of their closeness to international borders.

He stated, “Our borders must not become gateways for elements seeking to destabilize our democratic process,” adding that enforcement and surveillance had been bolstered to stop criminal networks from taking advantage of them.

In order to improve intelligence collecting, the Command said that it has tightened inspection protocols for transit commodities, developed contact channels with community leaders, and implemented round-the-clock monitoring of recognized smuggling routes.

In an attempt to strengthen grassroots support, the engagement was also extended to other traditional rulers, such as the Olu of Owode Oba Mathew Akindele and the Onihumbe of Ohumbe Oba Adekola Oje Oladokun.

Oba Olugbenle praised the initiative in his answer, pointing out that traditional institutions have an obligation to educate locals—especially young people—about the dangers of engaging in unlawful activity.

He declared, “We will continue to work with security agencies to maintain peace and discourage any form of criminality within our communities.”

Afeni emphasized that although the Service is still dedicated to promoting lawful commerce, it would continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to smuggling, particularly of illicit substances, small arms, and light weapons.

According to Customs, the outreach is a component of a larger strategy to strengthen border security through community-based partnerships and prevent threats to national stability.