In the fight to halt the growing influx of illicit drugs, unregistered pharmaceuticals and other forms of smuggling within the Ogun border region, the Controller of Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone 'A' of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, on Monday 16 March, held a series of strategic engagements with key security stakeholders in the state.
The engagements took him to the Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, and the palace of the Alake of Egba Land.
The discussions, according to reports centred on strengthening cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and cross-border crimes
During the visit to the NDLEA Command, Aliyu disclosed that the unit had recorded significant seizures of Cannabis Indica since he assumed office. According to him, over 60 per cent of the more than two tonnes intercepted by the unit within the past three months were traced to the Ogun corridor.
He explained that other smuggling routes also contributed to the seizures, with the Seme–Badagry corridor and the Oyo axis accounting for about 20 per cent each
Comptroller Aliyu emphasized that coordinated efforts are essential in tackling organized criminal networks, highlighting the tragic loss of a Customs officer during an anti-smuggling operation. He reaffirmed the unit’s determination to enforce the zero-tolerance policy against illicit imports.
According to him, the Customs Service will continue to rely on intelligence-driven operations, joint patrols and information sharing with partner agencies to curb the spread of narcotics and other illegal goods entering the country.
Responding, the Ogun State Commander of the NDLEA, Tijjani Rabe, praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its sustained enforcement activities and welcomed the move to strengthen collaboration between both agencies.
Rabe described the visit as historic, noting that it was the first time the Federal Operations Unit of the Customs Service had paid such a courtesy visit to the command since its establishment.
He also met with the Ogun State Police Command, emphasizing the longstanding partnership between Customs and the police in maintaining national security. The visits aimed to reinforce operational ties and curb the spread of narcotics and other illegal goods.
He commended the police command for its swift response and professionalism in ongoing efforts to track down those responsible for the incident that led to the death of a Customs officer.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, acknowledged the strong working relationship among security agencies in the state, noting that intelligence sharing has played a key role in maintaining stability in border communities.
The visit took them also to the palace of Alake of Egbaland, Abiodun Lafiyan, who commended the efforts of the Customs Service and other security agencies in combating drug trafficking and cross-border crimes. He assured the traditional ruler of the commitment to continue working together to ensure the safety and security of the community.
The visits are part of efforts to enhance inter-agency collaboration and information sharing to tackle the growing threat of drug trafficking and other forms of smuggling in Ogun State and beyond. The Customs Service has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, leveraging intelligence and technology to intercept illicit goods and apprehend suspects.
The Alake, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo commended customs for sustaining it revenue generation and pledged to continue discouraging smuggling among its subjects.
He described both activities as serious threats to Nigeria’s youth and economic stability, stressing that traditional rulers have an important role to play in influencing behavioural change at the grassroots level.
The highpoint of each visit was the presentation of souvenirs to the heads of the respective agencies and to the Alake of Egbaland.
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