Listen to story here
Under Acting Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, the Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ has intensified its crackdown on smuggling across the South-West, intercepting N511.4 million worth of illicit drugs and pharmaceutical products and rescuing eight endangered pangolins through intelligence-driven operations and stronger security collaboration.
The fight against smuggling across Nigeria’s South-West has gained fresh momentum under Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, Acting Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’.
Since assuming leadership of the unit, Afeni has prioritised intelligence gathering, strategic patrols and collaboration with sister security agencies to disrupt smuggling networks operating along highways, border corridors and waterways.
Recent operations have resulted in the interception of illicit drugs and pharmaceutical products valued at N511.4 million, alongside the rescue of eight live pangolins in two separate operations in Ogun State. The seizures underscore the unit’s expanding enforcement campaign against economic sabotage, public health threats and transnational organised crime.
N511.4m Drugs and Pharmaceutical Products Intercepted
One of the most significant operations under Afeni’s leadership was the interception of assorted illicit drugs and pharmaceutical products subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The seized items, valued at N511.4 million, included 121 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 65.9 kilogrammes, 100 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, 400 grammes of cocaine, 900 grammes of ground synthetic cannabis, 4.3 kilogrammes of hybrid cannabis and 57 cartons of codeine syrup.
Customs also handed over 86 packs of polythene bags used to conceal the substances, two vehicles—a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna and two male suspects linked to separate interceptions.
According to the unit, one interception occurred on October 10, 2026, when an intelligence-led patrol team stopped a Toyota Hiace bus conveying suspected illicit drugs concealed in polythene bags along the Lagos-Benin Expressway around Ore, Ondo State. Subsequent examination by NDLEA officials confirmed the nature of the substances.
In another operation on October 7, Customs officers intercepted a vehicle along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where a search uncovered 57 cartons of assorted codeine syrup.
Representing Afeni during the handover, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, attributed the seizures to sustained intelligence-driven operations across the unit’s area of responsibility.
He said the interceptions demonstrated Customs’ commitment to protecting national borders, safeguarding public health and supporting national security.
The collaboration with NDLEA and NAFDAC also ensures that suspected narcotics and regulated pharmaceutical products are subjected to appropriate investigation and enforcement procedures.
Eight Pangolins Rescued from Traffickers
Afeni’s enforcement campaign has also extended to illegal wildlife trafficking, with two separate operations resulting in the rescue of eight live pangolins in Ogun State within 11 days.
On October 12, 2026, Customs officers intercepted three live pangolins during an anti-smuggling operation along Oyo Dam at Igbo-Ora, Ogun State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the patrol team discovered the animals inside a sack and concealed in a wire-mesh cage. The suspected traffickers abandoned the consignment and fled into a nearby swamp upon sighting the officers.
A second interception followed in the early hours of October 23 along the Igbo-Ora/Imeko-Afon axis, where officers rescued five additional pangolins confined in wire-mesh cages. The suspects equally escaped, abandoning the animals.
Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals, prized by illegal traders for their scales and meat. International commercial trade in the species is prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which lists all pangolin species under Appendix I.
The eight rescued animals were handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative Centre for safekeeping, rehabilitation and appropriate management, with the possibility of eventual release into a protected habitat.
Speaking on Afeni’s behalf during the second handover, Oguntuase called for extensive investigations to identify and dismantle the syndicates behind the attempted trafficking.
He reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to intelligence-led operations and collaboration with conservation organisations to combat illegal wildlife trade.
However, the escape of suspects during both operations highlights the need to pursue investigations beyond abandoned consignments and identify the financiers, transporters and intended recipients sustaining the trade.
Security Collaboration Strengthened
Recognising that criminal networks often exploit gaps between security agencies, Afeni has also prioritised institutional cooperation across the South-West.
On October 14, 2026, he commenced a familiarisation tour of sister security and law enforcement agencies in Lagos to strengthen intelligence sharing, information exchange and joint operations.
The agencies visited included the Lagos State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army’s 81 Division headquarters, NDLEA Lagos State Strategic Command, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Army’s 9 Brigade in Ikeja.
During his visit to the Lagos State Police Command, where he was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, Afeni emphasised that effective border enforcement required close cooperation with other security institutions.
He also warned that the approach of an election period could create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit heightened political activities.
“We know that crime rates often increase as the country approaches the election period, as some people may attempt to take advantage of the period to perpetrate illicit activities capable of causing crises during the elections. Therefore, we are here to call for closer synergy so that these bad elements do not have their way,” he said.
At the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division headquarters, the General Officer Commanding, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, equally stressed the importance of joint action against criminality, cautioning against administrative bottlenecks that could undermine operational effectiveness.
The engagements are significant because smuggling networks frequently operate across multiple jurisdictions, using highways, waterways and border communities to transport prohibited goods. Coordinated intelligence and enforcement can help security agencies identify suspicious movements and prevent offenders from exploiting institutional gaps.
Protecting Revenue and Legitimate Trade
Beyond the seizures, the enforcement campaign has important economic and public health implications.
Smuggling undermines legitimate businesses by giving operators who evade duties and regulatory requirements an unfair advantage over compliant importers and traders. The circulation of illicit drugs and unapproved pharmaceutical products also exposes consumers to serious health risks, while wildlife trafficking threatens biodiversity and Nigeria’s conservation commitments.
For Customs, effective enforcement must therefore balance the suppression of prohibited trade with the facilitation of legitimate commercial activities.
The N511.4 million valuation of the seized drugs and pharmaceutical products provides an indication of the scale of the interceptions, but the broader impact lies in preventing potentially harmful substances from entering circulation.
Similarly, rescuing eight pangolins demonstrates the intersection between Customs enforcement, environmental protection and the fight against organised crime.
Nevertheless, the long-term effectiveness of the campaign will depend on successful investigations, prosecutions and the dismantling of the networks responsible for moving prohibited goods. Intercepting consignments is important, but apprehending those who finance and coordinate the operations is essential to achieving lasting results.
Sustaining the Enforcement Momentum
Afeni has warned smugglers and their collaborators that FOU Zone ‘A’ will sustain its intelligence-driven patrols and cooperation with relevant security agencies across its area of responsibility.
His enforcement strategy rests on improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency coordination and sustained operational pressure on routes used for illicit trade.
However, maintaining the momentum will require adequate operational resources, reliable intelligence and effective investigations capable of translating seizures into successful prosecutions.
Continued collaboration with regulatory agencies and conservation organisations will also be necessary to ensure that intercepted pharmaceutical products are properly investigated and rescued wildlife receives appropriate care.
Ultimately, the success of Afeni’s enforcement drive will be measured not simply by the quantity or value of intercepted goods, but by its ability to dismantle smuggling networks, protect public health, preserve biodiversity and create a more secure environment for legitimate trade across the South-West.
