The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday intercepted three luxury vehicles in Ogun State, including a 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost valued at N920m.
The NCS disclosed that the vehicle was seized alongside a 2014 Mercedes-Benz 4Matic worth N21.4m and a 2018 Honda Accord valued at N3.2m.
Speaking at a press briefing in Idiroko, the Ogun 1 Area Command Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, detailed that officers also confiscated 4,424 bags of foreign parboiled rice—equivalent to more than seven truckloads—1,936 parcels of cannabis sativa, 105 used tyres, 21 bales and three sacks of second-hand clothing, and 6,400 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The combined seizures contributed to a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.4bn recorded within 48 days across different parts of Ogun State.
Otunla explained that the seizures resulted from intelligence-driven operations and the persistence of officers in curbing cross-border smuggling.
He said, “The seizures with a DPV of N1.4bn, represent a significant economic loss to the smugglers, but a huge gain to our national economy and security.”
The Controller further announced that the command generated N45.1m in July, surpassing the N35.3m recorded in the same month of 2024.
He said, “However, this represents a commendable increase of 27.47 per cent, and this remarkable growth is a reflection of our enhanced compliance drive, improved monitoring of the border activities, and robust stakeholders engagement.”
Otunla confirmed that the intercepted cannabis would be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command, under the leadership of Commander Ekundayo Williams, for investigation and necessary legal action.
He said, “The synergy with other security agencies is not only in compliance with the government directive, but also reinforces our collective determination to safeguard public health, ensure national security, and protect the future of our youths from the devastating effects of hard drugs.”
Reaffirming the command’s position against smugglers, Otunla added: “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.”