By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area I Command, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, recording the seizure of 1,202 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil valued at ₦120.2 million in two intelligence-driven operations conducted on March 19 and 24, 2026.

The latest interception adds to earlier seizures by the command, including 2,539 kegs confiscated on March 11, 2026, and 2,090 kegs recovered on December 16, 2025, underscoring sustained efforts to curb illicit trade and protect local manufacturers from unfair competition.

In a related development, the command handed over 285 sacks of mica stones, each weighing 50kg and valued at ₦104.7 million, to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. The items were intercepted during a routine anti-smuggling patrol, highlighting ongoing efforts to prevent the illegal export of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Afeni, represented by Assistant Comptroller Onyeasor, described the illegal trade in solid minerals as a major threat to national security and economic stability. He reiterated the command’s resolve to halt the illicit outflow of the country’s natural wealth.

He said the Ogun Area I Command remains committed to a “whole-of-government” approach, ensuring collaboration with relevant agencies to enforce mining and environmental regulations.

Receiving the items on behalf of the ministry, Engr. Ojediran Abimbola Olubumi commended the command for its vigilance and professionalism, noting that the seized mica stones would be subjected to further analysis and documented in the national mineral database.

Meanwhile, the command also reported significant growth in its export activities for March 2026. According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Chado Zakari, export volume rose to 277.8 metric tonnes, with a Free On Board (FOB) value of $383,100.

This marks a sharp increase compared to March 2025, when exports stood at 20 metric tonnes valued at $104,600, representing a 266 per cent rise in value.

The command attributed the improvement to strengthened monitoring along the Idiroko border corridor and adjoining waterways, as well as enhanced measures to secure exit points against smuggling.

The development, it added, reflects the command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.