The collaboration between NCS, other agencies at Idiroko

By Martins F. O. Ikhilae

DIGNITY and collaboration among federal agencies manning Nigeria’s international gateways are a sine qua non for socio-economic and political progress. Indeed, the prosperity of nations in import and export trade depends largely on patriotic and dynamic collaborative initiatives. A nation’s capacity to create wealth is embedded in its collaborative strategies and trade diplomacy. Understandably, a symbiotic relationship in which an agency with comparative operational advantage supports others in the interest of national security, progress, and unity is a welcome initiative. This is what the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, under Deputy Comptroller Olukayode O. Afeni, has strategically adopted. Reinforcing this position at a recent media briefing at the Customs Officers’ Mess, Idiroko, Mr Fagbohunmi Oluwole, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA, who coordinates the agency’s activities at the border, applauded Mr Afeni for his dynamic and strategic approach to inter-agency collaboration. Oluwole, who received on behalf of the NDLEA several multi-million-naira parcels of seized hard drugs and sacks of cannabis sativa from the Customs Area Controller, commended the Command for its resilience, bravery, and collaborative spirit. He noted that such support strengthens the NDLEA and enhances national security.

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Briefing journalists at the event, Afeni disclosed that in July 2026, the Command recorded an export volume of over 10,000 metric tons with a Free on Board (FOB) value of N2,594,078,654. It also generated N90,066,164.00 for the government from baggage assessment, auction of perishable items, petrol (PMS), and other charges. He explained that, in fulfillment of its inter-agency responsibilities, the Command intercepted, seized, and handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command between January and July this year. Afeni said the briefing was to update the public on the Command’s anti-smuggling campaign and to underscore the strength of the national security architecture through inter-agency cooperation. He warned that although smuggling is often perceived as a harmless means of survival, it poses grave dangers. Allowing foreign rice to flood Nigerian markets, for instance, would undermine local farmers and agricultural investors and jeopardise the nation’s drive for food sufficiency. “We are leveraging enhanced intelligence, modern technology, and stiffer enforcement measures, which have led to unprecedented seizures of foreign parboiled rice and illicit drugs,” he said, noting that smugglers are becoming more desperate and employing sophisticated concealment methods. He added that through intelligence networking, technological integration, and the patriotism of frontline officers, the Command has dismantled smugglers’ networks, intercepted contraband, and disrupted their supply lines. Items seized in July 2026 include: 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 cartons of basmati rice, 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indian hemp, 30 bags of foreign sugar (50kg each), 2,674 pieces of new shorts and trousers, 11,450 litres of petrol in kegs, 1,750 litres of petrol in drums, 30 kegs of diesel (25 litres each), 100 bags of fertiliser, 67 bales of second-hand clothing, 3,760 pieces of new tops, 85 fire extinguishers, 480 cartons of Pure Heaven drinks, 53 packs of oats, 47 cartons of cosmetics, 36 packs of hair accessories, 3 packs of surgical shoes, and 129 new purses—with a total duty-paid value of N3,574,435,248.08. “Anti-smuggling operations will be sustained to ensure more seizures and enforcement of federal government policies,” he declared, “so as to prevent the devastation that would flood our communities, fuel violent crime, and ruin lives.”

Afeni stressed that victory in the war against drug abuse and trafficking lies in inter-agency collaboration, as no single agency can secure the nation alone. He said this aligns with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for a world-class Customs Service. He further warned that hard drugs and cannabis cause psychosis, cardiovascular crises, rapid addiction, and mental health degradation, breed violence, destroy lives, and undermine the economy. The high profits from the illicit trade, he said, fund violent criminal networks, human trafficking, and arms proliferation, while traffickers aggressively target young people, destabilising educational institutions.

•Ikhilae, a public affairs analyst, writes in via [email protected]